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One UVA Health nurse hails another with a DAISY Award nomination for going above and beyond for a patient.

"This is a very difficult story to share, but this nurse did everything she could to help and support family and friends as we said goodbye to a very special person," says Caitlin Curtis, RN, Perianesthesia Main, in her DAISY Award nomination of fellow UVA Health nurse Faith Delange, RN, Nerancy Neuro Intensive Care Unit (NNICU).

UVA Health University Medical Center Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and DAISY Award Committee Chair Crystal Richard, MSN, RN, CCRN, surprised Delange with an award.

Describes Curtis: "My friend had a hemorrhagic stroke while at home alone and was rushed to the hospital where she was intubated in the emergency room and then transferred to the NNICU. Every team member we interacted with was amazing, but one person stood out: Faith Delange."

"On the day that my friend's husband made the impossible decision to take my friend off life support, Faith came into work just to be her nurse so that the family would have a familiar face caring for their loved one. I went up to say my final goodbye to my friend, and Faith was a breath of fresh air!"

"I was talking to my friend about her family and her many loves in life, and Faith was able to seamlessly jump right into the conversation and laugh with me as if we'd all been friends for years — which is exactly how my friend made people feel; she would have loved Faith. In that terrible moment, it was exactly what I needed; I just cannot thank Faith enough for her care and support!!"

Know a Fabulous Nurse?

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award.

"DAISY" stands for "Diseases Attacking the Immune System." The DAISY Award was established by The DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of only 33 of an autoimmune disease. The Barnes Family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring, and compassion of his nurses, so they created this national award to thank nurses everywhere.

At UVA Health University Medical Center — patients or their families, visitors, and team members may submit a DAISY Award nomination.