May 2026 Honoree
Neuroscience Unit
Levita Hazel, BSN, RN • Narkizian Jacqueline. MSN, RN • Salinas Jasmin, BSN, RN • Failla Ana, BSN, RN • Cheon Sungra, BSN, RN • De Gracia Bessie, BSN, RN • Terciano Glenda, BSN, RN • Pascual Maria Cristina, BSN, RN • Dinglasan Elizabeth, BSN, RN • Amadi Josephine, BSN, RN • Labagh Christine, RN • Zhou Yinghua, MSN, RN • Marcayda Rosemarie, BSN, RN • Tadem Venus Salve Farra, BSN, RN • De Vera Belinda, BSN, RN • Bautista Maria Teresa, BSN, RN • Alexander Helen, RN • Cabrera Liza, BSN, RN • Fernandez Lilian, RN • Cen Silvia, MSN, RN • Aglubat Daryl Rassie, BSN, RN • Luo Yan, BSN, RN • Torralba John Daniel, BSN, RN • Nguyen Kristin, BSN, RN • Solar Joe, RN • Bengyel Nicole, BSN, RN • Yoon Carol, MSN, RN • Chung Kevin, BSN, RN • Baqai Sana, BSN, RN • Finlayson Tara, BSN, RN • Keo Rochelle, BSN, RN • Suter Chompunuch, BSN, RN • Sawayz Aria, BSN, RN • Su Jiwen, BSN, RN • Sison Mark Adrian, BSN, RN • Garcia Jonathan Blake, BSN, RN • Gu Leilei, MSN, RN • Aguilar-Noriega Maria Victoria, BSN, RN • Bhakta Vaishali, BSN, RN • Castaneda Charlene, BSN, RN • Nguyen Chi Lin, RN • Peduhan Gladys, BSN, RN • Brubaker Margaret, BSN, RN • Vengco Christian, RN • Cancio John, BSN, RN • Saldana Mark, RN • General Kim, BSN, RN • Zeng Shiyun, BSN, RN • Long Arianna, BSN, RN • Ng Peggy, RN • Silva Anna, RN • Angeles Shereen, BSN, RN • Lauzon Patrick, BSN, RN • Ngo Joli, BSN, RN • Solon Angelie, RN • Chung Janny, BSN, RN • Tran Baochau • Mendoza Joriliezl, BSN, RN • Lee Garrick, BSN, RN • Amador Vanezca, BSN, RN • Mondejar Trisha Marie, BSN, RN • Santos Neptali, BSN, RN • Reyes April, BSN, RN • Gaidarov Shayna Marie, BSN, RN • Maye Suzanne, DNP, MSN, RN • Zamir Khatera, BSN, RN • Alvarez Sabrina, BSN, RN • Ambrose Katherine, BSN, RN • Alameda Rica Dominique, BSN, RN • Wee June Hee, BSN, RN • Arnaout Samantha, BSN, RN • Akofe Nduka, BSN, RN • Manansala Glaiza • Chen Connie, BSN, RN
I am typing this on behalf of my father. He has not stopped raving about the excellent care he received at your facility. I can’t even fault him, I was there with him and the staff is exceptional.
Everyone is so very genuinely kind. Even when being called back into the room shortly after being told nothing was needed. They never made us feel like an inconvenience.
Even with the language barrier (my father speaks little English), the nurses made sure to take the time to explain everything to us, down to why they were looking at an IV extra closely. It took a layer of stress off of all of us, and we cannot express how grateful we are.
I wish we’d had the presence of mind to write down all their names because we really hope they can be individually recognized. If you recall caring for him, please know your hard work did not go unnoticed.
***
My father suffered a stroke—a shocking and difficult moment for our family. During this challenging time, we felt incredibly fortunate to have the support of an exceptional nursing team at Kaiser Hospital. Our family has trusted Kaiser for over 15 years, and once again, the nurses demonstrated the highest standard of care, compassion, and professionalism.
While their actions may seem routine, they were profoundly meaningful to us and made a critical difference in my father’s recovery and our family’s ability to cope. I stayed with my father throughout his hospitalization and witnessed firsthand the outstanding care provided by Nicole Hu, Neptali Santos, Mark Saldana, and Christine Labagh.
Nicole Hu went above and beyond by leveraging her language skills to ensure my father understood his condition and treatment. Her ability to communicate clearly and provide reassurance helped calm his mind during the most stressful moments.
Neptali Santos showed extraordinary dedication by fulfilling my father’s personal request to wash his hair, despite the physical challenges of moving him. This simple act restored a sense of dignity and normalcy for my father, which meant the world to him.
Mark Saldana provided gentle, professional care during the night shifts. His attentiveness, combined with the use of language tools, allowed me to rest and regain strength, something I desperately needed to support my father’s recovery.
Christine Labagh took the time to explain the importance of blood sugar monitoring, empowering me to make informed decisions about my father’s care. Her clear guidance helped us avoid unnecessary risks and ensured better outcomes.
These acts of kindness and professionalism may seem small, but they were life-changing for us. This was my first experience of a medical emergency, and I felt overwhelmed and uncertain. The nursing team not only cared for my father but also supported me, making it possible for me to focus on critical medical decisions and plan the next steps.
We are deeply grateful for this amazing team. Their compassion, skill, and commitment exemplify the very best of nursing care. They turned a time of fear and uncertainty into one of hope and healing.
For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate Nicole Hu, Neptali Santos, Mark Saldana, and Christine Labagh for this award.”
***
“I am the mother of D, who was born at Kaiser Hospital prematurely with a diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Shortly following his birth, he necessarily had a shunt inserted into the ventricles to control the flow of spinal fluid. Over the span of his life, he has been under constant care of neurosurgeons as he is prone to shunt malfunctions/infections on a very frequent basis.
In fact, as I write this, D has been a patient on the 5th Floor for the past 5 weeks, under the care of Dr. KC, for repeated shunt malfunctions and a very stubborn fungal infection within the shunt system.
My nomination for a DAISY Award is an expansion of your Award description. Since February, D has been in and out of the hospital for numerous shunt and fungal infections, requiring several lengthy stays and numerous surgeries. I could expand on the amount of time D has spent in Redwood City Kaiser, on the Neuro Floor, in the last 12 years and more specifically in the past eight months, but I'm sure you get the picture.
He's a kid with a chronic condition, and the staff on the 5th Floor have become well familiar with D and his medical, as well as his emotional/developmental, challenges.
I am nominating all of the nurses on the 5th Floor who have tirelessly worked toward keeping D relieved from his head, shoulder, neck, and chest pain (all as a consequence of his most recent shunt malfunction).
Either my husband or I is always at the hospital staying with D so that we can advocate for him (developmental age 10ish) and were able to observe the obvious commitment of each of the nurses as they cared for him, especially through some periods of high maintenance!
Each of the nurses on all three shifts has approached D with an attitude of compassion, caring, and patience. D can be very impulsive and suffers from short-term memory loss. He often received pain meds, and before his nurse could even return to the desk, he would push the call button again requesting pain meds—not remembering that he just had them.
This could go on repeatedly for a lengthy period of time, and yet the responding nurse would always patiently talk D through the circumstances and help him find creative ways (he could understand) to manage his pain.
I am unable to call out any one nurse as exemplary, as they clearly work as a team, and I would acknowledge each and every one of them.
D has never experienced a staff delay in responding to his needs, and even at the end of a long shift with lots of "need" by D, they were more than able to keep approaching him with smiles, professionalism, and patience.
I believe that with a more liberal approach to the DAISY Award being awarded to not just one nurse, there would be a tremendous message to all the nurses on the 5th Floor Neuro that their efforts are acknowledged, not just one nurse at a time, but collectively as they work together in sync to achieve the best possible outcome for each of their patients.
I feel blessed to be able to be in the midst of this amazing group of men and women who have chosen nursing as their career of choice. Each of their commitments to their profession is admirable, and our family has reaped the rewards over and over again as D's needs have been met.
Ultimately, we have all (mom and dad included) benefited from their friendship with our extended stays at the hospital and always an offer to get anything we need. They are wonderful, gorgeous people, inside and out!
***
To the incredible nursing staff, Aides, Food Service, and Kaiser Neurology Floor 5 Seizure Unit.
We have searched for the right words to thank you, and still, they feel too small for what you have given us.
For 14 days, you became part of our lives during a time when everything felt uncertain, frightening, and overwhelming. Through it all, you offered not only expert care but warmth, humor, and a deep, human kindness that lifted us again and again.
You didn't just care for L—you saw her. You shared stories, brought light into dark moments, and treated her with patience and respect, no matter how chaotic things became.
You made split-second decisions that kept her safe during seizures. You stayed focused and calm, even when the situation called for anything but. That kind of composure isn't just skill—it's heart, and it mattered more than we can say.
And you cared for us, too. You allowed me, Mom, to be there every day and every night without ever making me feel like a burden. You gave her sister, dad, and friends room to be a distraction for us, which was much needed.
You checked in. You heated food. You offered a kind word or a quiet nod when I didn't even know I needed it. Your tolerance, generosity, and silent support helped us hold together.
What you do is more than a job—it's a gift. You gave us back our daughter's laughter, her clarity, her spirit. And you did it with grace, grit, and so much humanity.
Thank you for everything. You'll always be part of our story.
With love and deep gratitude.
Everyone is so very genuinely kind. Even when being called back into the room shortly after being told nothing was needed. They never made us feel like an inconvenience.
Even with the language barrier (my father speaks little English), the nurses made sure to take the time to explain everything to us, down to why they were looking at an IV extra closely. It took a layer of stress off of all of us, and we cannot express how grateful we are.
I wish we’d had the presence of mind to write down all their names because we really hope they can be individually recognized. If you recall caring for him, please know your hard work did not go unnoticed.
***
My father suffered a stroke—a shocking and difficult moment for our family. During this challenging time, we felt incredibly fortunate to have the support of an exceptional nursing team at Kaiser Hospital. Our family has trusted Kaiser for over 15 years, and once again, the nurses demonstrated the highest standard of care, compassion, and professionalism.
While their actions may seem routine, they were profoundly meaningful to us and made a critical difference in my father’s recovery and our family’s ability to cope. I stayed with my father throughout his hospitalization and witnessed firsthand the outstanding care provided by Nicole Hu, Neptali Santos, Mark Saldana, and Christine Labagh.
Nicole Hu went above and beyond by leveraging her language skills to ensure my father understood his condition and treatment. Her ability to communicate clearly and provide reassurance helped calm his mind during the most stressful moments.
Neptali Santos showed extraordinary dedication by fulfilling my father’s personal request to wash his hair, despite the physical challenges of moving him. This simple act restored a sense of dignity and normalcy for my father, which meant the world to him.
Mark Saldana provided gentle, professional care during the night shifts. His attentiveness, combined with the use of language tools, allowed me to rest and regain strength, something I desperately needed to support my father’s recovery.
Christine Labagh took the time to explain the importance of blood sugar monitoring, empowering me to make informed decisions about my father’s care. Her clear guidance helped us avoid unnecessary risks and ensured better outcomes.
These acts of kindness and professionalism may seem small, but they were life-changing for us. This was my first experience of a medical emergency, and I felt overwhelmed and uncertain. The nursing team not only cared for my father but also supported me, making it possible for me to focus on critical medical decisions and plan the next steps.
We are deeply grateful for this amazing team. Their compassion, skill, and commitment exemplify the very best of nursing care. They turned a time of fear and uncertainty into one of hope and healing.
For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate Nicole Hu, Neptali Santos, Mark Saldana, and Christine Labagh for this award.”
***
“I am the mother of D, who was born at Kaiser Hospital prematurely with a diagnosis of hydrocephalus. Shortly following his birth, he necessarily had a shunt inserted into the ventricles to control the flow of spinal fluid. Over the span of his life, he has been under constant care of neurosurgeons as he is prone to shunt malfunctions/infections on a very frequent basis.
In fact, as I write this, D has been a patient on the 5th Floor for the past 5 weeks, under the care of Dr. KC, for repeated shunt malfunctions and a very stubborn fungal infection within the shunt system.
My nomination for a DAISY Award is an expansion of your Award description. Since February, D has been in and out of the hospital for numerous shunt and fungal infections, requiring several lengthy stays and numerous surgeries. I could expand on the amount of time D has spent in Redwood City Kaiser, on the Neuro Floor, in the last 12 years and more specifically in the past eight months, but I'm sure you get the picture.
He's a kid with a chronic condition, and the staff on the 5th Floor have become well familiar with D and his medical, as well as his emotional/developmental, challenges.
I am nominating all of the nurses on the 5th Floor who have tirelessly worked toward keeping D relieved from his head, shoulder, neck, and chest pain (all as a consequence of his most recent shunt malfunction).
Either my husband or I is always at the hospital staying with D so that we can advocate for him (developmental age 10ish) and were able to observe the obvious commitment of each of the nurses as they cared for him, especially through some periods of high maintenance!
Each of the nurses on all three shifts has approached D with an attitude of compassion, caring, and patience. D can be very impulsive and suffers from short-term memory loss. He often received pain meds, and before his nurse could even return to the desk, he would push the call button again requesting pain meds—not remembering that he just had them.
This could go on repeatedly for a lengthy period of time, and yet the responding nurse would always patiently talk D through the circumstances and help him find creative ways (he could understand) to manage his pain.
I am unable to call out any one nurse as exemplary, as they clearly work as a team, and I would acknowledge each and every one of them.
D has never experienced a staff delay in responding to his needs, and even at the end of a long shift with lots of "need" by D, they were more than able to keep approaching him with smiles, professionalism, and patience.
I believe that with a more liberal approach to the DAISY Award being awarded to not just one nurse, there would be a tremendous message to all the nurses on the 5th Floor Neuro that their efforts are acknowledged, not just one nurse at a time, but collectively as they work together in sync to achieve the best possible outcome for each of their patients.
I feel blessed to be able to be in the midst of this amazing group of men and women who have chosen nursing as their career of choice. Each of their commitments to their profession is admirable, and our family has reaped the rewards over and over again as D's needs have been met.
Ultimately, we have all (mom and dad included) benefited from their friendship with our extended stays at the hospital and always an offer to get anything we need. They are wonderful, gorgeous people, inside and out!
***
To the incredible nursing staff, Aides, Food Service, and Kaiser Neurology Floor 5 Seizure Unit.
We have searched for the right words to thank you, and still, they feel too small for what you have given us.
For 14 days, you became part of our lives during a time when everything felt uncertain, frightening, and overwhelming. Through it all, you offered not only expert care but warmth, humor, and a deep, human kindness that lifted us again and again.
You didn't just care for L—you saw her. You shared stories, brought light into dark moments, and treated her with patience and respect, no matter how chaotic things became.
You made split-second decisions that kept her safe during seizures. You stayed focused and calm, even when the situation called for anything but. That kind of composure isn't just skill—it's heart, and it mattered more than we can say.
And you cared for us, too. You allowed me, Mom, to be there every day and every night without ever making me feel like a burden. You gave her sister, dad, and friends room to be a distraction for us, which was much needed.
You checked in. You heated food. You offered a kind word or a quiet nod when I didn't even know I needed it. Your tolerance, generosity, and silent support helped us hold together.
What you do is more than a job—it's a gift. You gave us back our daughter's laughter, her clarity, her spirit. And you did it with grace, grit, and so much humanity.
Thank you for everything. You'll always be part of our story.
With love and deep gratitude.
Thank you for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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