There are angels among us, and Victoria Hall felt like that to our family in early August 2023. That week was wrought with stress and emotions that are any parent’s deep dread. Our youngest daughter needed two brain surgeries in as many days. It was heart-wrenching to hear the surgeon’s explanation of the need for a craniotomy, but far worse was being told she needed to go through it all over again 48 hours later. As I processed this unimaginable situation, tears streaming down my face and barely able to speak, I felt a calming presence and a supportive hand on my shoulder gently patting my back as Victoria stood quietly behind me trying to soothe the pain and reassure me, a distraught mother. Looking back at this moment I remember this sweet nurse, so gently comforting, and I realized she is the same person who worked in and outside of our daughter’s room in such a seamless, peaceful manner that her presence and caring ministrations felt like a balm to our souls rather than another burden or intrusion to bear.

After our daughter’s second surgery, we came back to the room after hardly eating, to find what amounted to an absolute treasure of a comfort “snack” for me. One of my favorite treats was sitting there on the side table next to the couch so we could enjoy refueling a bit while waiting for our daughter to return from recovery. These small attentions: a pat on the back, a reassuring hug, and an unexpected snack combined to provide extraordinary service in much appreciated encouragement, support, and respite.

Time in a hospital often means fighting against difficult challenges that are emotionally and physically draining for the patient, the families, and the healthcare workers. Having someone like Victoria work with us was a gift from God, and, in her own way, Victoria was our family’s angel for a time that was beyond difficult for us.

Thank you, Victoria, and thank you Wolfson’s for employing a nurse with such exemplary professional and compassionate care. Your kind and unobtrusive approach helped us heal and rebuild physical and emotional strength; therefore, I wholeheartedly believe Victoria Hall is deserving of this DAISY Award. Victoria, you are an extraordinary nurse and an inspiration to us all! Congratulations, you make us proud!