March 2026 Honoree
Morgan Mayer, BSN, RN
Our family faced an overwhelming and frightening moment when my son overdosed on multiple substances at his father's home and was taken to Children's Hospital. Morgan M. was a steady and compassionate presence throughout his stay in the PICU. They embodied every quality of a DAISY nurse by providing exceptional care that was deeply human and completely nonjudgmental.
Morgan cared for my son in an extraordinary way, approaching him with gentleness, patience, and dignity. Even when he could not respond while on a ventilator, and it was unknown whether he had suffered brain damage, they spoke to him with respect and kindness. Morgan noticed even the smallest changes in his appearance, such as his eyes becoming red or his lips becoming dry, and always took the extra time to ensure he was as comfortable as possible. Their actions made it clear that he mattered—not just as a patient, but as a person.
They offered care and reassurance without judgment and comfort without hesitation. I had previously experienced healthcare staff who were very judgmental, stating they could do “nothing for my son” because he was using substances. He is a 16-year-old boy, and Morgan understood that he should be treated as my son, not as an addict.
Morgan explained everything in a way that made sense, using language that was easy to understand rather than overwhelming medical terminology. They included me in his care in a meaningful way, inviting me to be part of the process and creating opportunities for me to touch my son and participate in his care whenever it was medically safe.
My son developed serotonin syndrome due to the combination of drugs he had taken. During the night, he became incredibly restless. For hours, he experienced repeated muscle spasms so severe that his entire head and neck would lift off the bed, putting him at risk of dislodging his ventilator. Watching this happen was exhausting, mentally draining, and honestly terrifying.
I was sitting behind his bed when I heard Morgan quietly say, “Now he is settled and will be quiet for a while.” I do not think they realized how much I needed those words. In that moment, their reassurance allowed me to finally close my eyes and sleep for two hours—the first real rest I had gotten. That small window of peace gave me the strength I needed to keep holding myself together for him and for the rest of our family.
What stands out most is the humanity Morgan brought into the room. I felt their compassion for my son, and it softened one of the hardest days of my life. Their kindness will stay with me forever. They made an unbearable moment feel survivable, and for that I am endlessly grateful.
Morgan M. is the very definition of a DAISY nurse and touched our hearts in a way we will never forget.
Morgan cared for my son in an extraordinary way, approaching him with gentleness, patience, and dignity. Even when he could not respond while on a ventilator, and it was unknown whether he had suffered brain damage, they spoke to him with respect and kindness. Morgan noticed even the smallest changes in his appearance, such as his eyes becoming red or his lips becoming dry, and always took the extra time to ensure he was as comfortable as possible. Their actions made it clear that he mattered—not just as a patient, but as a person.
They offered care and reassurance without judgment and comfort without hesitation. I had previously experienced healthcare staff who were very judgmental, stating they could do “nothing for my son” because he was using substances. He is a 16-year-old boy, and Morgan understood that he should be treated as my son, not as an addict.
Morgan explained everything in a way that made sense, using language that was easy to understand rather than overwhelming medical terminology. They included me in his care in a meaningful way, inviting me to be part of the process and creating opportunities for me to touch my son and participate in his care whenever it was medically safe.
My son developed serotonin syndrome due to the combination of drugs he had taken. During the night, he became incredibly restless. For hours, he experienced repeated muscle spasms so severe that his entire head and neck would lift off the bed, putting him at risk of dislodging his ventilator. Watching this happen was exhausting, mentally draining, and honestly terrifying.
I was sitting behind his bed when I heard Morgan quietly say, “Now he is settled and will be quiet for a while.” I do not think they realized how much I needed those words. In that moment, their reassurance allowed me to finally close my eyes and sleep for two hours—the first real rest I had gotten. That small window of peace gave me the strength I needed to keep holding myself together for him and for the rest of our family.
What stands out most is the humanity Morgan brought into the room. I felt their compassion for my son, and it softened one of the hardest days of my life. Their kindness will stay with me forever. They made an unbearable moment feel survivable, and for that I am endlessly grateful.
Morgan M. is the very definition of a DAISY nurse and touched our hearts in a way we will never forget.
Thank you, Morgan, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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