I wanted to submit a DAISY Award nomination for one of the nurses who cared for my friend S while at the CVICU before he passed away. The nurse was Katherine "Katie" Truxell, and here is my story. It was an incredible gift to witness the exceptional care my dear friend S received during his time at Methodist Hospital, CVICU. Every nurse who worked with S treated him with kindness and professionalism, and I know he held each of them close to his heart, like family.

However, one nurse stands out among the rest—Katie. It was a fleeting moment that she recognized and quickly acted upon, which in my opinion, makes her worthy of the DAISY Award. Not only was she involved in S’s care throughout his stay, but especially during his final week, as his condition worsened and tough decisions loomed. During that time, Katie became a pillar of support for both S and all of us who loved him. She was always the one I could turn to for updates, which she delivered with the perfect balance of sensitivity, honesty, and clarity. Her communication was always compassionate but never sugar-coated, which made all the difference during such an emotional time. Katie also had a special connection with S. When his family couldn’t be there, she would hold his hand and offer him strength. She treated him not just as a patient but as someone she truly cared for.

The most remarkable moment came in that fleeting moment when it became clear that S would not survive. During a conversation with the doctor and Kaite, Steve expressed his desire to "leave the box" and feel the sun on his face one last time. He also wanted to see his dog. Given the logistics and the hospital’s policies, it seemed like an impossible request, but Katie didn’t hesitate. With unwavering confidence, she told the doctor she would make it happen. I still don’t know how she managed to pull it off or what strings she had to pull, but she did. Katie gathered the team, and S got his wish in what felt like a miracle. He felt the sun's warmth on his face and received a big, wet kiss from his dog one last time.

Over the next few days, S began to drift away, but we were left with the memory of that perfect, joyful moment—Steve’s face lit up with the biggest smile I had ever seen. Katie didn’t just provide care for S; she gave all of us an unforgettable gift in his final days. Her compassion, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond made a profound difference in S’s life and for everyone who loved him. In my opinion, Katie truly deserves the DAISY Award