CHESTER – Memorial Hospital’s DAISY Award Honoree for the first half of 2026 is Brittany Casarez. Brittany was recognized recently for saving a patients life.
After a year of unresolved headaches and nausea and multiple doctor visits with no answers, the family came to the ER expecting the same outcomes. Brittany advocated for the patient by encouraging the physician to order a CT scan, which revealed a large abdominal mass. Because of her persistence, the patient was immediately transferred and had lifesaving surgery the next day. The patient is now home and recovering well.
“If it were not for Brittany’s dedication, attentiveness, and willingness to speak up, the patient may not be here today,” stated Kelly Jany, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial. “Brittany’s actions exemplify exceptional nursing care, and she absolutely deserves this recognition.”
Nominees for the award were: Brittany Casarez, RN and Rebekah Luthy, BSN, RN from Memorial Hospital, and Robin Bixby, LPN and Molly Ebers, LPN from the Rural Health Clinics.
During a recent ceremony, Kelly Jany, expressed her gratitude to staff following the reading of nominations.
“These nominations are a powerful reflection of the extraordinary nurses we are privileged to have on our team. Rebekah, Robin, Molly, and Brittany exemplify the true spirit of nursing through their compassion, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to both patients and colleagues. Their ability to listen deeply, preserve dignity during vulnerable moments, and step forward when it matters most makes a profound difference in the lives they touch. Whether advocating for life-saving care, providing comfort during frightening moments, or supporting coworkers without hesitation, these nurses consistently go above and beyond. They represent the very best of our profession, and we are grateful for the care, humanity, and excellence they bring to our organization every day.”
DAISY Award Nominees: L-R: Amy Eggemeyer, Care Coordinator Manager; Rebekah Luthy, BSN, RN; Brittany Casarez, RN; Robin Bixby, LPN; Molly Ebers, LPN; and Kelly Jany, Chief Nursing Officer.
The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of Patrick Barnes, who passed away at age 33 from complications of the autoimmune disease ITP. During Patrick’s hospitalization, his family was deeply moved by the exceptional clinical care and compassion shown by the nurses who cared for him.
Their gratitude led to the creation of the DAISY Foundation, which has since grown into an international program honoring nurses for the extraordinary care they provide to patients and families every day.
DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. Nominees for the first half of 2026 were presented with a pin and certificate.
Anyone can nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award.
Nominations may be submitted at any time, either on paper or electronically at www.mhchester.com/DAISY-nominations. 1900 State Street – Chester, IL 62233