The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is an international recognition program that honors nurses for their exceptional clinical expertise, compassion and dedication to patients and their families. Patients, family members and colleagues can all submit nominations.
At Bronson, we celebrate DAISY Award recipients throughout the year. Read the stories below to meet the latest winners from Bronson Methodist Hospital and learn more about the care that earned them this honor. These nurses were selected from nominations received during the first half of 2026 (January through June).
Jenna Crawford, BSN, RN, CCRN – Neurocritical Care Unit
“After experiencing a stroke, we knew we were spending the last days with my beloved aunt. Jenna helped me wash my aunt’s hair, which was a true blessing for me to be able to do that for her, to comfort her in that way for the last time. I now have that memory I will cherish for the rest of my life all because Jenna went above just caring for her patient, she cared for me as well.” Read Jenna’s full nomination.
Sarah Dunn, RN – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
“From the moment we met Sarah, her presence made an immeasurable difference in our experience. She approached us with a calm confidence, compassion and professionalism that put us at ease. As a nurse myself, I have a deep respect for healthcare professionals. However, this experience gave me an even greater appreciation for the dedication, resilience and compassion that NICU nurses demonstrate every day. I truly believe that our positive experience during such a stressful and emotional time would not have been possible without Sarah.” Read Sarah's full nomination.
Flor (Lot Lot) Harris Aton Ward, BSN, RN – Trauma Care Unit/Burn Unit
Flor received multiple nominations for the DAISY Award. One nomination explained, “My mom had metastatic brain cancer and could not communicate well, yet every time Lot Lot came in the room, she was sure to speak directly to my mom and let her know every step of what she was doing.” Another shared a similar story: “Lot Lot was my nurse for most of my time in the hospital, and her impact on my healing both physically and emotionally was profound. Even while I was ventilated and unable to communicate in typical ways, she made it a priority to recognize my concerns, comfort and dignity. She paid close attention to nonverbal cues, anticipated my needs and ensured I felt safe and supported during an extremely vulnerable time. Despite the barriers, she never treated me as invisible or passive – she treated me as a whole person whose voice still mattered.” Read Flor’s nominations.
Bree Henry, RN – Labor & Delivery Unit
“My exam showed I was only 6 cm dilated, but Bree listened to my concerns and had an instinct that she needed to stay close by. Within 15 minutes, while I was in the bathroom, my body began to push without my trying, and my baby’s head emerged. As I called out for help, Bree was right there, catching my baby with one hand and pulling the emergency cord with the other hand. She was compassionate, reassuring and a safe presence through it all. Her instincts and skill were nothing short of a miracle. I am terrified to imagine what might have happened if she hadn’t been sticking by so close in that moment. We all had every reason to believe that my delivery would still be a while, and yet she was exactly where she needed to be when it mattered. I will be forever grateful to her.” Read Bree’s full nomination.
Jena Shaw, BSN, RN – Cardiac/Telemetry Unit
“Jena had cared for a patient all weekend. The patient responded very well to her and was very comfortable in her presence. When she returned to work on Tuesday, though not assigned to his room, Jena stopped by multiple times, knowing he had made the difficult decision to transition to comfort care earlier in the day. At the end of her shift, Jena recognized his family had not yet arrived. Rather than allowing him to pass alone, she made the selfless decision to remain at his bedside. Thankfully his family arrived in time, but Jena's presence provided peace and reassurance. She treated him not just as a patient, but as person who deserved compassion, respect and human connection at the end of life.” Read Jena’s two nominations.
Mary Stephens, RN – Trauma Care Unit
“My brother suffered a traumatic injury that turned our family’s world upside down in an instant. While we’ll always remember the excellent medical care my brother received, what stands out most is Mary’s kindness, compassion and genuine concern for both him and our family. She treated my brother with dignity, respect and empathy, making him feel seen as a person rather than just a patient. She also recognized the emotional toll on our family and extended the same compassion to us. She took time to explain things clearly and offer our family reassurance when we were scared.” Read Mary’s three nominations.
Chloe Weaver, BSN, RN – Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
“Chloe cared for my brother who has special needs and underwent major spinal surgery. Postoperatively, he received a diagnosis that required high doses of Neo-Synephrine and transfer to the NCCU. During this critical time, Chloe acted quickly and efficiently while also giving the individualized, compassionate and loving care that his personality and special needs required. Her ability to balance clinical excellence with genuine empathy was truly remarkable. [I also work with Chloe.] As a coworker, Chloe consistently goes above and beyond. She’s always several steps ahead. When a patient begins to decline, Chloe is quick to anticipate needs and ensures medications equipment are at the bedside before the physician arrives. She is authoritative and decisive when a patient's condition requires firm leadership, yet remains patient, compassionate and kind when family members need reassurance and understanding. She embodies the very best of what nursing represents.” Read Chloe’s two nominations.
Michelle Wilson, BSN, RN – Bronson Infusion Center
“Almost every time this patient comes, she stays in her wheelchair. Today, Michelle asked if the patient wanted to sit in a more comfortable chair. The patient explained she did, as she becomes very sore sitting in her wheelchair for such a long period of time. Michelle gathered staff and a gait belt to help safely move the patient. So delighted, the patient stated ‘I felt like a queen.’ Working with Michelle, I know that this is not just a one-time thing. She always takes the time to make someone feel safe, heard and cared for. Michelle is one of the many reasons why I don't want to just be a nurse but a nurse with compassion, hope, joy and integrity; I want to be a nurse like Michelle.” Read Michelle’s full nomination.
The DAISY Award is supported by the not-for-profit DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation. Bonnie and J. Mark Barnes created this foundation and award as a way to remember their son, J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick had a disease that attacked his body and was in the hospital for a long time. His nurses did such a great job with him that the Barnes family created an award that continues to recognize the excellent work nurses do every day.
