I am writing to nominate Nurse Rob from Children's National Hospital for the DAISY Award in recognition of his exceptional service, compassion, and kindness during our stay in October 2024. His unwavering support and care deeply impacted our family during one of the most difficult times in our lives.

Our 10-year-old daughter, A, was admitted with what initially appeared to be a head cold but was ultimately diagnosed with cancer during our three-day stay. As parents, we were overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, and A, quarantined in her room, faced immense anxiety and isolation. Nurse Rob, however, became a beacon of light for all of us.

From the first day until A’s release, Nurse Rob's presence transformed the hospital experience. He connected with A in a way that not only made her feel safe but also brought joy to her despite her challenging circumstances. Rob took the time to learn about A’s love for dancing, engaging her by asking about her latest dance moves and encouraging her creativity. A looked forward to his visits, and we watched her light up with smiles that we didn’t think were possible during such a heavy time.

Nurse Rob also modeled incredible patience and understanding with my husband and me, sensing our anxiety and offering a calming presence. He treated A with dignity and respect, always ensuring she was in control of her care and speaking to her in a way that acknowledged her wisdom and courage. When the pivotal MRI was scheduled on our last day, Rob ensured A was comfortable, personally transporting her to and from the radiology department. He was there when the results came in sooner than expected and stayed close by as we met privately with the oncology team to hear the devastating confirmation of A’s diagnosis. In a moment when the weight of our new reality felt unbearable, Rob’s offer to stay with A gave us the time and space we needed to process and prepare to talk to her.

A requested Rob’s presence during that conversation, and his quiet support helped us find the strength to deliver the hardest news we’ve ever faced. Rob’s calm and compassionate demeanor provided not only comfort to A but also a sense of stability for our family.

Even in the discharge process, Rob went above and beyond. He carefully packed A's belongings, explained every detail of her discharge papers, and reassured her with encouraging words about her strength and her passion for dancing. His advice —“Never stop dancing, no matter how difficult the journey”—has stayed with A and continues to inspire her weekly as we return to the hospital.

Nurse Rob’s extraordinary care and compassion extended far beyond medical duties; he humanized an otherwise overwhelming experience and provided us with moments of light, hope, and strength. His presence will forever be etched in our hearts, and we will always be grateful for the profound impact he made on A and our family.

Thank you for considering Nurse Rob for this well-deserved recognition. He exemplifies the true spirit of nursing, and his lasting impression is a testament to his exceptional dedication and kindness. Thank you for all of your support since October. This journey has been hard, and you have made it more bearable for us all. We can never repay your constant kindness, but please know that we strive to pay it forward into the world.