I am honoured to nominate Sasha for the DAISY Award for her outstanding care and unwavering dedication to our newborn son, R, during his stay in the NICU. Sasha’s compassion, empathy, and commitment to providing exceptional child and family-centered care truly made an immeasurable difference in our lives. Sasha went above and beyond in her role as R’s core nurse for several weeks, quickly learning his unique preferences and ensuring that every aspect of his care was tailored to his needs. She paid close attention to the little details that made a big difference in R’s comfort, such as knowing what kind of bed he preferred, the best ways to soothe him, and how to handle his nuanced needs. Her attention to detail and thoughtfulness were evident when she proactively created a document for the bedside outlining his likes and dislikes, making it easier for new nurses to onboard and continue his care seamlessly.

Sasha's ability to make us feel valued and important as a family was extraordinary. She consistently involved us in R’s care, taking the time to join family meetings where she not only advocated for him but also shared crucial insights about his progress. Her presence in these meetings was invaluable, as it helped us make informed decisions about his care and gave us a sense of empowerment during an otherwise challenging time. Sasha would also go out of her way to check in on my husband and I. When she wasn't at his bedside, she would quickly drop into our room to say hello and offer comfort and reassurance to us. These gestures meant the world to us.

When it was time for R to transition from the NICU to the PICU, Sasha’s support was absolutely critical. She offered her assistance during this transition, ensuring that R’s move to the new ward was as smooth and stress-free as possible. Her involvement was instrumental in maintaining continuity of care, and it was clear that she cared deeply about his well-being and our peace of mind. Sasha’s compassion and dedication allowed us to feel a sense of relief and comfort, knowing that R was in the best possible hands. Her empathy, professionalism, and genuine care made an incredibly difficult time more bearable, and we are forever grateful for the impact she had on our family. We sincerely hope that Sasha will be recognized for her exceptional accomplishments and the extraordinary care she provided to R and our family.