During one of the most stressful nights of my life, Laurie DiRusso was the light that carried my family through it. My husband was admitted for acute appendicitis and required an emergency appendectomy. It was late at night, the hospital was incredibly busy, and yet Laurie treated us as if we were the only people who mattered. From the very beginning, Laurie was knowledgeable, attentive, and deeply compassionate. She took the time to explain everything that was happening — every step, every update, every concern — in a way that made me feel safe and informed. Even though it was the middle of the night and she had many patients to care for, she never rushed, never seemed impatient, and never lost her warmth. What touched me most was Laurie’s intuition and empathy. At one point, when the stress and worry felt overwhelming, she simply walked over and hugged me — without me saying a word. She just knew I needed comfort, and that simple act of kindness meant everything. Laurie not only cared for my husband with exceptional professionalism, but she also cared for me as a person, as a wife who was scared and exhausted. After surgery, she made sure he was comfortable, kept us updated constantly, and even took him all the way to the car in a wheelchair, helping him sit carefully inside before we left. Laurie is the perfect example of what nursing truly is: a balance of skill, compassion, and humanity. She made a frightening experience bearable through her warmth, humor, and grace. We will never forget her kindness, and I am so deeply grateful for the way she cared for my husband and supported me through every moment. She absolutely embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award.