The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation, based in Glen Ellen, California, was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care he and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

DAISY Award recipients are recognized as outstanding role models in the nursing community and are known for their compassionate care, communication, positive attitude, patient advocacy, and teamwork. Nurses that earn the DAISY Award receive many benefits including reduced tuition, conference scholarships, special rates on certification, and more.

If you have been the recipient of extraordinary care by a nurse at SMCH or McCrary-Rost Clinics, you’re invited to complete a nomination form. All nominations are reviewed by the SMCH Board of Directors, who then select a winner.

Nominees will be invited to an awards banquet next May where the year’s winner will be announced. The deadline for nominations for the next award cycle is March 31, 2024, though nominations are accepted year-round.

Nomination forms can be found at stewartmemorial.org. Return to SMCH Chief Nursing Officer Ann Lengeling at 1301 W. Main St., Lake City, IA 51449.