At 16, this extraordinary student was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, was a patient at Children's Hospital for 6 months, and won. This experience began her love of nursing and she wanted to be like the nurses who took care of her. Her name is Madison Sontheimer. She is a survivor.

Madison began nursing school in the fall of 2021. Madi’s father had suffered a stroke and fought Glioblastoma and Glioma. Madi’s mother will attest to the great care Madi provided him. I spoke to her father a few times on the phone and his voice was rich with love and pride for Madi. Madi's father lost his battle in June of 2022. The toll of his illness and death put a pause on nursing school for Madi, but she returned. She is resilient.

In the hospital, Madi flourishes. She takes care of patients with quiet expertise, kindness, fierce advocacy, and loving care. On one occasion to make a patient laugh, she learned the floss dance and came back to show her the next day. Madison received a good catch award after noticing a patient wasn’t wearing their ordered oxygen, averting a crisis. She is amazing.

Extraordinary students become Extraordinary Nurses, and Madison is well on her way. She has accepted a job on 3 South at UPMC Hamot. We present this award to Madison Sontheimer. She is our DAISY.