04/10/2026
April 10 is a special day--the 60th birthday of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick was 33 years old when he was diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpa (ITP)--a rare auto immune disease. During his hospitalization, his family experienced the profound compassion and skill of the nurses caring for him.
When he passed away after eight weeks in the hospital, his family formed the DAISY Foundation. It is the first program of its kind to publicly recognize and celebrate the extraordinary, compassionate work of nurses.
On Patrick's birthday, it was only fitting that we presented our next DAISY Award at Grand Island Regional Medical Center.
Check back in with our page next week and we will share the touching story of registered nurse Halle Smith. The care she provided to her eight-year-old patient Hadley, exemplifies the compassion and care that the DAISY Award symbolizes.