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"During this special time, the patient even gave a thumbs up — something we hadn’t seen in months .... a powerful and emotional moment for family and team members." 

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award. Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and Jenny Ernest, Nursing Governance Coordinator, Nursing Professional Governance Office, surprised Kerianne di Stefano, BSN, RN, CCRN, Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU), with an award to recognize her "compassion, initiative, and dedication."

A UVA Health team member nominated di Stefano:

"This patient had been with us for an extended period — nearly six months — and endured many challenges throughout their stay. The patient and family made the decision to pursue comfort measures with the plan to withdraw care on this particular day. As the time came to transition to comfort care, Kerianne went above and beyond to ensure the patient experienced meaningful moments and dignity in their final days, even picking up an extra shift on this day to provide consistency to the patient and family.

"Understanding how difficult it is to be confined to a hospital room for such a long time, Kerianne sought to bring light and peace to the patient’s final day. She made adjustments to her own schedule to be consistently present, providing stability and a familiar face for both the patient and their family. This consistency brought great comfort to everyone involved.

"One especially memorable and moving act was Kerianne’s effort to coordinate an outdoor visit for the patient. But this wasn’t just a quick step outside — it was a carefully organized visit to the hospital helipad, offering the patient a panoramic view and the feeling of fresh air and sunshine on their skin. This effort required coordination across multiple disciplines, including Kori, STICU Charge RN, and the respiratory therapy team. Together, they ensured the patient and a family member could share a peaceful, joyful moment outside — a rare opportunity given the circumstances.

"During this special time, the patient even gave a thumbs up — something we hadn’t seen in months. It was a powerful and emotional moment for family and team members. Shortly after this outing, the patient began transitioning toward end-of-life care and passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

"Kerianne's compassion, initiative, and dedication to honoring this patient’s final wishes truly embody the spirit of the DAISY Award. Her actions created a moment of peace and beauty in the midst of difficulty, leaving a lasting impact on all who were present."

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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.