Millie Hoffis
September 2025
Millie
Hoffis
,
RN
A3
Saratoga Hospital
Saratoga Springs
,
NY
United States
The next day, she surprised him by bringing both items in, bought with her own money, and delivered them on her own time.
In March of 2025, my brother N was a patient at Saratoga Hospital. During those final weeks of his life, he received compassionate, outstanding care from many nurses and physicians, but one nurse stood out in a way we will never forget. I am writing this on behalf of N's wife and our entire family. I’ve worked in healthcare leadership for more than 30 years, and I’ve witnessed countless examples of excellent care. But I have never observed the level of heartfelt compassion, personal attention, and consistent kindness that Millie provided to my brother and our entire family.
From the moment she stepped into his room, Millie treated Nick as though he were a beloved member of her own family. She took her time with him, always making sure he was comfortable, that his pain was controlled, and that he felt heard and respected. Her calm, reassuring presence brought peace not just to Nick, but to all of us who came to be with him.
No matter how many times we hit the call bell, whether for just a question, g-tube check, pain management, or just reassurance, Millie responded with patience and grace. She never walked out of the room without first asking if N or any of us visiting needed anything to feel more at ease. That level of attentiveness and empathy is rare and unforgettable.
One moment that especially moved us happened around St. Patrick’s Day. N, who had little to no appetite by that point, suddenly craved two very specific things: Lucky Charms cereal and blue, zero-sugar Gatorade. Millie somehow remembered N's comment. The next day, she surprised him by bringing both items in, bought with her own money, and delivered them on her own time.
That small act of kindness lit up an otherwise heavy day and reminded us how deeply she cared. There are so many other gestures, too numerous to list, that made Millie feel like the angel my brother needed in his final days. Her compassion was not a single moment; it was a constant presence, a way of being, and it made all the difference to our family during a heartbreaking time.
Millie embodies everything the DAISY Award is meant to recognise. She not only delivered outstanding clinical care but also brought humanity, love, and grace into our lives when we needed it most. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honour.
From the moment she stepped into his room, Millie treated Nick as though he were a beloved member of her own family. She took her time with him, always making sure he was comfortable, that his pain was controlled, and that he felt heard and respected. Her calm, reassuring presence brought peace not just to Nick, but to all of us who came to be with him.
No matter how many times we hit the call bell, whether for just a question, g-tube check, pain management, or just reassurance, Millie responded with patience and grace. She never walked out of the room without first asking if N or any of us visiting needed anything to feel more at ease. That level of attentiveness and empathy is rare and unforgettable.
One moment that especially moved us happened around St. Patrick’s Day. N, who had little to no appetite by that point, suddenly craved two very specific things: Lucky Charms cereal and blue, zero-sugar Gatorade. Millie somehow remembered N's comment. The next day, she surprised him by bringing both items in, bought with her own money, and delivered them on her own time.
That small act of kindness lit up an otherwise heavy day and reminded us how deeply she cared. There are so many other gestures, too numerous to list, that made Millie feel like the angel my brother needed in his final days. Her compassion was not a single moment; it was a constant presence, a way of being, and it made all the difference to our family during a heartbreaking time.
Millie embodies everything the DAISY Award is meant to recognise. She not only delivered outstanding clinical care but also brought humanity, love, and grace into our lives when we needed it most. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honour.