This is truly a long time coming and something I carry with me every day. Almost 12 years ago, I was a patient on the Peds floor at Winchester Medical Center. I am almost 25 now, working as a Peds nurse in Roanoke, VA. After I was hospitalized at 13 years old due to an MRSA infection in my bloodstream, I chose to pursue a nursing career because of Millie. She was so kind and compassionate that I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. She would come and visit every day, even when I wasn’t her assigned patient, I think because she knew I was comfortable with her. She made even the scariest of times easier for me and my parents.

One of my family members bought me a teddy bear while I was there, and I named her Millie. I still have it with me to this day. I will never forget her for as long as I live, and I work every day trying to be as amazing as she is. I wanted to nominate her for a DAISY Award now, even though it’s so many years later, because I truly understand the extent of this award, and I feel it's important to recognize Millie!