My elderly mother had surgery on her colon, liver, bladder, and small intestine due to cancer. It was anticipated that she would be an inpatient for five to seven days. The day after surgery she started showing signs of complications: high heart rate, low blood pressure, delirium, breathing issues, fluid retention, high white blood cell counts, and many other things I can’t remember or simply am not aware of. When I saw her, I honestly thought I needed to prepare myself for her to not make it out of the critical state she was in. She was suddenly in constant 24/7 care and continual testing, EKGs, and CT scans for much of the first seven days in an effort to find a medical reason for the issues and pain she was enduring. It is my understanding that after extensive “digging,” they were able to locate a bacterial infection as the cause of these issues, and this infection was entirely separate from the original surgery. The care and attention my mother received from all the staff was extraordinary on all levels. We honestly feel that had she not been at UW Health for this surgery and the unforeseen complications, she would not be alive today.

Although I wasn’t there every day, I know Tom cared for my mother probably more than anyone. However, that is not why we are nominating him. The quality of that time far exceeds the quantity. In speaking with Tom, we know that he puts in more time each week than is required of him, as I have no doubt most medical staff do. Tom was vigilant in the care of my mother. He was caring and compassionate, kind, and empathetic. He was professional and performed with integrity. He took time to speak with me, was effective in his communication, and was receptive to my thoughts. He has a calm demeanor that presented as a reassuring confidence in him, his colleagues, and UW Health. He was appropriate and respectful with small talk and humor. Tom is a true DAISY Nurse. Thank you for giving us the means to acknowledge Tom and his work.