I am a nurse with 17 years of experience, many of those have been spent at UNC, so when I became a patient myself, admitted for a complex thigh-to-breast flap reconstruction surgery four months after my initial breast cancer diagnosis, I was very aware of what quality nursing care looks like.

On Post-Op Day 1, I had the privilege of being cared for by a nurse who exemplified everything the DAISY Award stands for. From the start of her shift, she was timely, safe, and thorough, ensuring that all post-op orders were followed correctly: lines were removed, pain was well-managed, mobility was encouraged, and every part of my care adhered to nursing policy and best practice. She handled all the expected tasks with professionalism and ease. But the reason I am nominating her goes far beyond clinical excellence. This nurse chose to go above and beyond, offering something that cannot be charted or measured, true compassion and human connection.

During our time together, she chose to share that she finds special meaning in caring for breast cancer patients because her own mother had breast cancer. She was gracious and open in allowing me to ask what that experience was like for her growing up as a child. That conversation was deeply healing for me. I have spent countless thoughts about how my own children, ages 10 and 13, will process and remember this time in their lives.

Getting to hear how she processed her mother's cancer in her childhood and as an adult was like finding a missing piece in my own journey through cancer grief and acceptance. Hearing her perspective helped ease a fear that no medication or surgery ever could. Throughout the day, she continued to support me physically and emotionally, taking me on two or three long walks, always with a positive attitude and gentle encouragement. But what I will carry with me forever is what she said to me at the end of the day: she told me I was doing a good job and that I was handling everything better than many similar breast cancer patients she sees on the unit.

In that moment, I felt truly seen not just as a patient or even a nurse, but as a mother trying to do her best during a devastating time. Her words brought tears to my eyes, because they answered a question I hadn't even been able to say out loud: Am I doing okay for my kids? She didn't have to say that. She didn't have to open up or walk those extra laps with me, well, yes, she did have to walk with me that day. But she did, and those moments made all the difference in my healing. Anyone can come in and complete the checklist. Not everyone takes the time to listen, connect, and walk beside you through the hardest moments of your life.

This nurse embodies the true heart of the nursing profession, clinical excellence paired with simple, profound compassion. I will never forget her kindness, her presence, and the comfort she gave me on one of the most vulnerable days of my life. I came to the hospital for a surgery, just ready to get this next part done and get cancer out of the forefront of my life. I was not expecting to experience spiritual healing in this area of being a young mother with cancer. She was an answer to prayers, a sign and reminder for me to continue to invite God into my hardships and see him provide comfort. She is everything the DAISY Award represents and more.