March 2026 Honoree

Tapestri Carlson, RN

  • Dell Children's Medical Center
  • Austin
    ,
    TX
    ,
    United States
Your Honoree Benefits Honoree Newsletter Sign Up
I am honored to recognize Tapestri for the extraordinary compassion, dedication, and clinical excellence she demonstrated while caring for a baby with NEC totalis who ultimately passed away.

Tapestri primaried this baby for an extended period of time, forming a deep bond not only with the patient but with the entire family. From the very beginning of an incredibly complex and heartbreaking journey, she showed unwavering commitment, skill, and tenderness.

NEC totalis is one of the most devastating diagnoses in neonatology, and throughout every stage of care, Tapestri remained a steady, knowledgeable, and compassionate presence.

When the family made the unimaginable decision to withdraw care, Tapestri ensured that those final moments were filled with dignity, love, and peace. She stayed with the baby and family every single minute, gently guiding them through what to expect, answering questions with patience and honesty, and offering reassurance when words felt impossible. She created an environment where the parents could simply be parents—holding, loving, and cherishing their baby—while she quietly carried the clinical responsibilities with grace.

Her compassion extended beyond the bedside tasks. She advocated fiercely for comfort, ensured that the baby was never alone, and anticipated the family’s needs before they even had to ask. She explained each step of the withdrawal process in a way that was both clear and deeply sensitive, allowing the family to feel supported rather than overwhelmed. In their most painful hours, Tapestri was their anchor.

What stood out most was her presence. She did not rush. She did not step away. She honored every moment with intention and respect. She provided not just exceptional nursing care, but emotional strength, guidance, and profound humanity.

The family was never alone in their grief because Tapestri stood with them fully and wholeheartedly until the very end.

Tapestri embodies the very spirit of the DAISY Award. Her clinical expertise is exceptional, but it is her empathy, advocacy, and unwavering compassion that truly set her apart. She turned an unimaginable tragedy into a space of love, dignity, and support, and that is a gift this family will carry with them forever.

 

Thank you, Tapestri, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.

View More Honorees