The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award® is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation™ was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the autoimmune disease ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia) in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way. To learn more, visit DAISYFoundation.orgChristie Clinic is proud to partner with The DAISY Foundation™ to recognize and highlight the compassionate and extraordinary care that our nurses provide every day. Say "thank you" by sharing your story of how a Christie Clinic nurse made a difference that you will never forget!Click here to submit your nomination. DAISY Award Recipients2025Amber W., LPN - Family Medicine at The RiverfrontNominated by a patientFor six weeks this summer, I was having a mental health crisis. My doctor was trying to find new meds that were going to work for me, and it was a long, hard process. I was crying all the time, and I couldn't will myself to get off the couch. I was desperate to get better. At times when it got really bad I would call and ask to speak to a nurse. The very first time I called, I was blessed to speak to Amber! She was so kind, caring, compassionate, and respectful. She listened to me and did everything she could to help me feel better. She would ask questions and make suggestions for things that might help me while we were working through the process, without making me feel stupid or crazy. If I had a question and she couldn't answer it, she would let me know that she needed to speak with my doctor, and she would get back to me the same day, and sometimes within an hour. You don't know how much that means to a person in my condition. Waiting for help and answers was very stressful. and more stress was the last thing I needed. I told her how much her caring and compassion meant to me, and she told me that she was always here for me and to call her anytime I needed something. I had an appointment with my doctor today, and I asked if she was working. I asked if I could speak to her, and they messaged her to come to my room. It was wonderful to meet her in person. She is just as sweet, kind, caring, and genuine as she is on the phone. She took the time to talk to me for a few minutes, and I thanked her profusely for her help and kindness. She asked how I am doing and told me that she was glad that I am doing so much better. She reiterated that I could call her any time. This woman, in my opinion, went above and beyond her responsibilities to make me feel cared for when I needed it the most. To me, she is a true example of what the DAISY Award is meant to acknowledge. Nicole G., LPN - Family Medicine in MahometNominated by a patient:I have been dealing with a myriad of medical concerns for the past several years with little or no resolution. In fact, the process has often resulted in raising more questions than in finding answers. Length of wait for appointments and needed medical tests, and being unable to schedule appointments with my care team, and instead having to see providers who were not familiar with my history, resulted in delay after delay in moving toward diagnosis. In addition, the lack of timely and fruitful communication, both with the front desk and patient portal, was greatly adding to my frustration with the lack of progress with my treatment. I do understand the hectic schedules that both the physicians and nurses face each day, and I try to practice understanding, but I also know that I need to advocate for myself. After expressing my concerns and frustrations with the situation, I was connected with Nicole. From my first communication with Nicole, I knew that I was in good hands. She was kind, compassionate, and understanding. There was never a time when she dismissed my concerns or tried to put me off with excuses or platitudes. In fact, she was proactive in making suggestions and problem-solving ways to get my needs met. If she wasn't available, Nicole always called me back. She understood how important ongoing communication was to me and how much it helped me to manage my medical needs. Just recently, I underwent a heart procedure at a medical facility in Chicago, so upon returning to Mahomet, I needed to know that I could count on my local care team, as the team that treated me in Chicago was not readily accessible. When I had an issue arise following the procedure, I called and talked to Nicole, and she immediately responded with a plan of action. She consulted with a physician to get the needed tests ordered right away and followed up to make sure the test results were being processed as soon as possible. Nicole called me after hours to make sure that I knew she was staying on top of my test results in order to reassure me. She is a credit to her profession and operates with compassion for patient needs. I have not found a nurse who has shown as much knowledge, dedication, and perseverance. I have the utmost confidence that I can count on Nicole. I wish that there was more I could do to honor this young woman. I hope the powers that be know how truly fortunate they are to have Nicole Gibson in their employ. She is one of a kind!