CHESTER – On May 8, 2025, Memorial Hospital of Chester held a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognition ceremony.
The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at 33 from complications of the autoimmune disease ITP. During his hospitalization, the family was very impressed by the clinical care of the nurses who care for Pat. So much so that they created a foundation to thank nurses that have grown to be international. This is their way of saying thank you to nurses for the extraordinary care they provide patients and families every day. DAISY is an acronym standing for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
DAISY Award Nominees. L-R: Brett Bollmann, CEO; John Havel, RN; Leah Freytag, LPN; Tisha Coffey, LPN, Grace Knop, RN; and Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer.
Nominees, for the first half of 2025, were presented with a pin and certificate. The nominees were: Tamara Despain, Medical Surgical Unit RN; Grace Knop, Medical Surgical Unit RN; Leah Freytag, Rural Health Clinics LPN; Tisha Coffey, Rural Health Clinics LPN; Kim Fedderke, Medical Surgical Unit RN; and John Havel, Medical Surgical Unit RN.
Memorial Hospital’s DAISY Award Honoree for the first half of 2025 is John Havel. John received a nomination from a patient’s family for providing compassionate and unwavering care to their loved one who was in critical distress, guiding them through pain management techniques and offering emotional support. Despite the severity of the patient’s condition, John remained dedicated, ensuring comfort and dignity in their final hours. His kindness and professionalism made a profound impact during an incredibly difficult time.
During the ceremony, Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial, expressed her gratitude to staff following the reading of nominations. “Thank you to our nurses and staff for your commitment to healing here at Memorial Hospital. We hope that you will wear your DAISY pins proudly.”
Anyone can nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award. Nominations can be done at any time by paper or electronically at www.mhchester.com/DAISY-nominations.