2025 DAISY Honorees: Celebrating Nursing Excellence

What is the DAISY Award?

The DAISY Foundation, which stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, honors the extraordinary efforts of nurses like these who make a difference every day. Each DAISY Award Honoree receives:

• A certificate held in a portfolio proclaiming the recipient an "Extraordinary Nurse"
• A DAISY Award pin
• A unique, hand-carved serpentine stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, entitled "A Healer's Touch"
• A Spotlight page on the DAISY website, featuring a photo and story of why this nurse was honored
• A cinnamon roll, symbolizing the appreciation and nourishment provided by the nurses (inspired by Patrick's story, where a simple cinnamon roll made a significant impact on his hospital stay)

Honoring Our 2025 DAISY Award Recipients

We are proud to announce our three DAISY Award honorees for this year, selected from an outstanding pool of nominations. These exceptional nurses have demonstrated remarkable care, compassion, and dedication to their patients. Here are their inspiring stories:

Leah Cowan, RN

"I came in with a placenta detachment, and I lost my baby boy. When Leah came on shift in the morning, I was in shambles—sad, angry, and on an emotional roller coaster.

Leah came in and immediately approached me, almost in tears. She asked if she could hug me and proceeded to sympathize with me. Leah was willing to do whatever was needed to comfort me, and she did just that.

She made the worst day of my life… better, and I didn't think that was possible. She provided the comfort and care I needed during that difficult time. I don't think I would have had the strength to continue without her. She went above and beyond what she needed to do when I was not very nice or easy to be around.

She showed compassion that I don't think I've ever experienced."

Sofia O'Toole, RN

"My six-year-old daughter was in the ER after three and a half days of vomiting and being extremely dehydrated. Sofia showed extreme patience and kindness with her while needing to place an IV and do swabs.

Our daughter was scared and crying, but Sofia went above and beyond with her kindness. She carefully showed and explained each step to our daughter and treated her with what I'm sure would be the same kindness she shows her children.

Sofia went out of her way to bring our daughter her favorite flavor popsicle, and even found a toy and a candy bar to help her feel better. She took note of our daughter's Frozen blanket and tracked down Frozen stickers.

When she could have just pushed through the procedures, Sofia stayed patient and talked everything through, ensuring our daughter wouldn't be traumatized. I'll forever be grateful for her cheerfulness, kindness, and patience during a tough day."

Christy Sweet, RN

"In December 2023, I experienced the loss of my son at 37 weeks. Christy was my nurse—she went above and beyond. I've said many times: Christy was our angel.

 

She was there to hold me as I fell apart and wiped my tears every step of the way. Her compassion and empathy were like nothing I've experienced before.

 

Christy took care of my husband and me through the worst days of our lives. She did everything she could to comfort us while respecting our wishes and needs.

 

Christy is a remarkable person who truly made two people, experiencing the hardest day of their lives, feel cared for and supported."

 

Gratitude for Our Nurses

To every nurse at Grand Itasca: thank you. Your care makes a lasting difference. We are proud to work alongside you. And to our 2025 DAISY Honorees—Leah, Sofia, and Christy—your stories are a testament to what makes nursing a profession and a calling. Thank you for your extraordinary compassion.

Do you know an extraordinary nurse? Nominate them for the DAISY Award here, and let their exceptional care shine!