DAISY Award
About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died of complications from the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) at the age of 33 (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). During Pat’s 8-week hospitalization, his family was awestruck by the care and compassion his nurses provided not only to Pat but to everyone in his family. One of the goals they set in creating a foundation in Pat’s memory was to recognize extraordinary nurses everywhere who make an enormous difference in the lives of so many people through the superhuman work they do every day.
Recognizing Extraordinary Nurses
The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary, compassionate, and skillful care given by nurses every day.
Medina Healthcare System is proud to be a DAISY Award Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor each year. DAISY Award honorees personify Medina Healthcare System's remarkable patient experience. These nurses consistently demonstrate excellence through their clinical expertise and extraordinary compassionate care. They are recognized as outstanding role models in our nursing community.
Each DAISY Award honoree will be recognized at a public ceremony in their unit and will receive a beautiful certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved stone sculpture entitled A Healer's Touch
A Cinnabon® Celebration!
Additionally, everyone in the unit will celebrate with Cinnabon® cinnamon rolls – a favorite of Patrick's during his illness. The Barnes Family asks that whenever and wherever nurses smell that wonderful cinnamon aroma, they stop for a moment and think about how special they are.
Judging Criteria
1
Upholds the Medina Healthcare System vision to be the first choice for healthcare in Medina County.
2
Focuses on patients by keeping their care and outcomes as a top priority.
3
Is recognized by peers as a role model in delivering evidence-based care at the bedside.
4
Demonstrates Medina Healthcare System values of Others First, Compassion, Innovation, Accountability, and Stewardship through their actions with colleagues, patients, and guests.
5
Invests in their professional growth as well as the professional development of their direct team/unit.
2026 DAISY
Maria Balderas, LVN
AWARD WINNER
Maria was nominated by a patient whose life she touched in a profound and unforgettable way during a difficult hospital stay. In the nomination, the patient shared that Maria’s compassion, presence, and willingness to simply sit, listen, and care helped carry them through one of the darkest moments of their life.
“Her kindness was a beacon of light in a dark time, nourishing my spirit and restoring my faith in humanity.”
The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who go above and beyond in the care they provide, and Maria embodies exactly what this award stands for. Her ability to make patients feel safe, heard, and cared for reflects the very heart of nursing.
Thank you, Maria, for the extraordinary compassion you show every day and for the difference you make in the lives of your patients and their families. We are incredibly proud to recognize you as this year’s DAISY Award recipient.
DAISY Award Nominee's
Your dedication, empathy, and commitment to excellence embody the very heart of nursing. We are proud and grateful to have your on our team.
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