We have a patient who has been on our unit awaiting a heart transplant for 315 days. While admitted, he completed his AA degree but was unable to attend graduation. Katie Roydhouse-Welter, BSN, RN, RN-BC, from Unit 54 Cardiac Med/Surg, planned and organized a graduation party for him. She decorated Charlie's Corner, the unit's activity room for families and patients, and many staff members brought food. Two other patients who were awaiting transplants as well helped with the decorations.

The patient wore his cap and gown and we led him to the party playing Pomp and Circumstance. He enjoys cooking and really misses it. So, we had a quesadilla station and he cooked quesadillas for everyone. He really enjoyed this celebration. He said, "No words can express... I want to thank all of you for putting this on. You all mean more than I can ever say or express to you. You all are more than just my 54 family, you are my family now."

Katie has organized other events for patients as well. She is very caring and dedicated to her patients. She is a charge nurse on our unit. She is very artistic and uses this talent to decorate many of our events and bulletin boards. This party is just one example of Katie's caring spirit and why she deserves the DAISY award.