Memorial Announces Neha Patel February 2025 DAISY Award Winner

Congratulations to Neha Patel, RN a member of the team on 4 Tower at Lake Charles Memorial Health System. Neha was nominated by a patient in her care for her understanding compassion and sympathy.

From the nominator:

Cancer is one word no one expects or wants to hear from their doctor. A diagnosis that can break the strongest person. I have been blessed to have my family by my side; however, one nurse went above and beyond for me and my family during my surgery and stay at LCMH. Ms. Neha did an exceptional job of making my stay less embarrassing, stressful, and more healing. The patience and sympathy she showed me and my family were much needed and greatly appreciated. When my oxygen levels dropped, she was quick to contact my Doctor and family, showing great concern for my well-being. When I was able to leave, I felt a lot better about my situation mostly due to Neha’s compassion and care.

In fact, all those who helped in my care, from CNAs to nurses to doctors were so kind. Blessed to have had them as my care team. Not enough words to accurately describe the staff and LCMH. All I can say is Thank you! My family thanks all as well.

To Ms. Neha, you are what a true nurse looks like. Thank you so much for being there, for never making me feel uncomfortable, and for taking such great care of me. You’ll never be forgotten.

***

Neha spoke to me with a big smile on her face. Looking at me, she carefully explained each medication she was giving me. I have rarely had someone make me feel like I would actually remember everything they explained. Neha never stopped smiling while we talked.

What a beautiful gift this young nurse has. She made me feel better by taking the time to help me understand my medications in such a short time, all while showing such care. A smile goes such a long way. Even in that brief moment, seeing someone so willing to share kindness left a lasting impression on me. I will never forget this nurse, no matter how long or short my life may be.

I know I’m not the only person who sees this in her! Neha, don’t stop being you. I wish you all the luck in the world. Angels come from people like you.

About DAISY:

In late 1999, at the age of 33, Patrick Barnes awoke with some blood blisters in his mouth. Having survived Hodgkin's Disease twice, he was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with the auto-immune disease, ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura).

Said his father, Mark Barnes, "We are so blessed that we were able to spend the eight weeks of his hospitalization with him and his family. During those weeks, we experienced the best of Nursing. We were there to see the clinical skill that dealt with his very complex medical situation, the fast thinking of nurses who saved his life more than once, and that nursing excellence that took years to hone to the best of the profession. But frankly, as a patient family, we rather expected that Pat would have great clinical care. That was why he was in the hospital. What we did not expect was the way his nurses delivered that care - the kindness and compassion they gave Pat and all of us in his family every day. We were awed by the way the nurses touched him and spoke with him, even when he was on a ventilator and totally sedated. The way they informed and educated us eased our minds. They truly helped us through the darkest hours of our lives, with soft voices of hope and strong loving hugs that to this day, we still feel."

Just days after he died, the family began talking about what they would do to help fill the giant hole in their hearts that Pat’s passing had left. His wife came up with the acronym, DAISY, standing for diseases attacking the immune system. As they discussed what to do in Patrick’s memory, first and foremost, they wanted to say Thank You for the gifts nurses give their patients and families every day. That is when the family created The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses.

For more information regarding Neha's nomination, click here >>>