My 42-year-old nephew was admitted to CICU after a difficult battle with metastatic melanoma. We were running out of treatment options and were scheduled to leave the following week for MD Anderson for a possible treatment that would give us more time with him. Just two days after his admission to Grandview, he passed away.

Those final days were among the hardest our family has ever faced, and yet they were made more bearable by two extraordinary nurses, Carlee Scott and Lindsey Cotton.

From the moment he was admitted, Carlee and Lindsey showed compassion not only to him but to our entire family. My nephew was confused and agitated when he arrived, but Lindsey looked beyond the distress and saw the whole person in front of her, a beloved husband, father, son, and nephew. She treated him with dignity, patience, and a tenderness that made us feel that he was truly seen and valued.

Carlee brought the same level of compassionate care. She comforted him with a calm, reassuring presence and supported our family with empathy during moments when words failed us.

Both Carlee and Lindsey anticipated needs before we could voice them. They listened when we needed to talk, gave us space when we needed silence, and guided us through difficult decisions with grace and respect.

The DAISY Award honors nurses who go above and beyond, and Carlee and Lindsey did exactly that. They were not only skilled professionals, but also the hands and heart of Jesus that carried us through one of life’s most painful moments. We will be forever grateful for the dignity and compassion they gave him and for the comfort they gave all of us.

Having worked in a hospital for 41 years, I have worked with many outstanding nurses and have always been in awe of the way they care for patients. Having been an employee of Grandview for many years, I have known of the wonderful care provided in CICU. But now I have experienced this care from a different perspective and will be forever grateful.