I would like to recognize Mikaila for the extraordinary compassion and dedication she brings to her patients and colleagues every day. Those who have the opportunity to work with Mikaila are truly fortunate. She is a constant ray of sunshine who goes out of her way to make each day better for everyone around her.

It is difficult to choose just one example that captures why she deserves this award, but a recent experience highlights the profound difference she makes. We cared for a patient who arrived post–cardiac arrest with concerns for little to no brain activity. While several members of the care team had fleeting moments of hope that the patient might be aware, there was no clear or consistent way to confirm it.

When Mikaila cared for this patient, she noticed something others had not fully been able to establish. She suspected the patient was attempting to communicate. With patience, persistence, and genuine compassion, Mikaila spent the day working closely with the patient and ultimately established a reliable method of communication through blinking. Through her efforts, it became clear that the patient was, in fact, aware but had previously been unable to express it.

This breakthrough was truly life-changing. It not only improved the patient’s immediate quality of life, but also significantly impacted the plan of care, guided important clinical decisions, and brought immense relief and clarity to the patient’s family.

Mikaila consistently goes above and beyond for her patients, always advocating for them and striving to improve their lives in meaningful ways. This moment is just one powerful example of her character, her clinical intuition, and her unwavering commitment to compassionate care. She is deeply deserving of this recognition.