I am writing to nominate Sarah de Jesus Gazel for the DAISY Award in recognition of the extraordinary care, compassion, and advocacy she demonstrated while caring for my mother. My mother has late-stage dementia and is no longer able to communicate, but has clear directives in place, including a DNR, DNI, and DNH. Recently, due to serious concerns about a possible perforated bowel and pneumonia, the nursing home and her doctor recommended transferring her to the hospital for evaluation. Upon arrival, she was placed with an NG tube- something I was told would be temporary. Over the next several days, despite everyone's kindness, I grew increasingly concerned. My mother was clearly traumatized, and her wishes about her care were not being fully honored. Sarah became my mother's nurse on the third day of her hospitalization, after an especially difficult prior day.

What made Sarah truly stand out was not only her compassion and empathy, which were evident immediately, but also her ability to turn understanding into meaningful action. Unlike others who had listened to my concerns but were unable to effect change, Sarah acted decisively. Despite having 5 very ill patients to care for, Sarah, without my knowledge, made time to arrange a visit with a representative for palliative care. Together, we were able to develop a plan to honor my mother's wishes, removing the NG tube and halting any further invasive interventions, including a proposed rectal tube. Sarah's intervention also led to a thoughtful conversation with the physician, culminating in a plan to return my mother to her nursing home, where she can be cared for in comfort and dignity.

Sarah demonstrated exceptional clinical skill, deep compassion, and fierce patient advocacy. She not only listened, she acted, ensuring that my mother's dignity and expressed wishes were respected. Thanks to her, what could have been a prolonged and painful hospital stay was transformed into a transition back to familiar surroundings, preserving my mother's quality of life. My mother and I are deeply grateful to the entire staff, but Sarah's instincts, heart, and hard work made an extraordinary difference. She exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents, and I can think of no one more deserving of this honor. I am and will be forever grateful to Sarah, as she was the answer to my prayers.