I want to nominate Keliko Lejeune for the DAISY Award because she changed my life during one of the hardest moments I’ve ever faced. At just 19 years old, I found myself in the hospital with a UTI that left me uncontrollably urinating on myself. It was humiliating, and I felt completely helpless. To make things worse, my mom and I got into a fight, and she left me alone in the hospital—seven hours away from home, with no money, no support, and no idea how to handle everything that was happening to me. I was terrified. But then there was Keliko. She wasn’t just my nurse—she became my anchor. She didn’t just treat me medically; she treated me like a person when I felt at my lowest. She comforted me when I cried, wiped my tears when I couldn’t stop, and reminded me that I was stronger than I thought. She made me feel safe and cared for in a situation where I felt nothing but vulnerable and alone. She called my mom and talked to her.  Keliko didn’t have to do that, and that is not one of a nurse’s responsibilities. She went above and beyond to ensure I felt cared for and emotionally supported. I have never met someone so uplifting, encouraging, and truly strengthening.

When I was transported to another unit, saying goodbye to Keliko was heartbreaking. She gave me a hug and words of encouragement, and in that moment, I realized how much she had truly done for me. This wasn’t just another hospital stay—this was the first time in my years of being in and out of hospitals that I felt a real connection with a nurse. Without her, I don’t know how I would have made it through. She gave me the strength to keep going and the support I needed to heal. Keliko is more than deserving of the DAISY Award. She embodies everything a nurse should be—compassionate, kind, and dedicated. She didn’t just help me get better physically; she helped me believe in myself again. She helped mend the relationship between my mom and me. I will never forget her. She changes lives.