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Patient embraces UVA Health Children's nurse for comforting her and her newborn through fear, exhaustion, vulnerability, and more.

"From the moment she began caring for my newborn ... everything felt different," recalls then-cancer patient Catherine Mary Colon Rivera of UVA Health Children NICU's Alana Owings, BSN, RN. And for going above and beyond in the care of our youngest patients, their families, and more — Owings has earned a DAISY Award.

Associate Chief Nursing Officer Karin Skeen, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, DAISY Award Committee Chair Caitlin Lowman, BSN, RN, CCRN, Rivera, and her daughter surprised Owings at the presentation, and shared Rivera's nomination:

"I would like to nominate Alana for recognition because, from the bottom of my heart, I truly believe she deserves it.

"There are some people who come into your life for a short period of time, but leave an impact you'll carry forever. Alana was that person for my baby and me.

"From the moment she began caring for my newborn in the NICU [Neonatal Intensive Care Unit], everything felt different. Alana treated her with such gentleness, love, patience, and attention to detail — I could immediately tell this was more than just a job to her. She genuinely cares about the babies she takes care of and the families who are going through such a difficult time.

"Alana was always smiling. She constantly kept me updated and made sure I understood what was happening with my daughter. She encouraged me, reassured me, and gave me words of wisdom when I needed them most. There was something about the way she spoke to me and handled every situation that made me feel safe. She had this incredible motherly instinct that was impossible to miss.

"At the time, I was already dealing with an enormous amount physically and emotionally. I was going through cancer treatment while pregnant. I had undergone a mastectomy and had lymph nodes removed, which affected my movement. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained. Then I had to give birth and experience something I had never experienced before: having to leave my baby in the NICU.

"That was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Seeing my tiny baby surrounded by tubes and medical equipment broke my heart.

"But Alana made it easier. When I had to leave my baby in the NICU and go back to my room to rest, I was able to close my eyes for a few hours because I knew she was in Alana’s care. That peace of mind meant more to me than I can ever explain. I knew that while I couldn’t physically be there every second, someone was watching over my newborn with genuine love and compassion.

"After a couple of days, when my baby was able to come back to my room, I was dealing with preeclampsia and extremely weak. But when I look back on that time, Alana is one of the brightest parts of it.

"She didn’t just care for my baby medically. She cared for me as a mother. She made me feel heard, informed, and like my infant was safe. She gave me encouragement when I was struggling, and treated my newborn as though she truly mattered.

"Alana's professionalism, compassion, patience, attention to detail, positivity, and genuine love for her work are extraordinary. She has a way of handling difficult situations with such calmness and grace, and she brings comfort to families during moments when they are scared, exhausted, and vulnerable.

"I know there are many incredible nurses, but Alana Owings is someone I will never forget.

"I took a little while to submit this nomination, but it was never because I didn’t want to recognize her. I have simply been going through so much, and sometimes it has been difficult to put everything I feel into words. But I could not let more time pass without making sure someone knows how special Alana is.

"Thank you for taking care of my daughter when I couldn’t be there. Thank you for every update, smile, encouraging word, little detail you paid attention to, and moment you made me feel like my baby was in the best possible hands. You helped make one of the hardest experiences of my life a little less frightening. I will always remember that.

"My baby and I are incredibly grateful for you. You should absolutely be recognized for the extraordinary nurse and human being that you are. I truly believe you deserve every award, every recognition, and every bit of appreciation that comes your way."

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