San Juan Regional Medical Center has partnered with the DAISY Foundation, an international recognition program, to honor the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day.
The DAISY Foundation stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem, and was formed as a not-for-profit organization by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died at the age of 33 of complications of an autoimmune disease. The nursing care he received in the hospital profoundly impacted his family, and they created the foundation to honor Patrick's memory and thank the incredible nurses who do so much for so many people.
Say thank you to a nurse today by nominating them for a DAISY Award.
2026 Recipients
Sara Barry, RN
Sara is a Childbirth Center nurse who is a repeat Daisy award winner. She was nominated by a former patient who had experienced a difficult delivery and recovery. “Your compassion, your care, your calmness kept me grounded,” the patient said about Sara. “Your knowledge and steady presence made all the difference that day. Because of YOU, I decided to become a nurse.” Thanks to Sara's care, that former patient is now a Labor and Delivery nurse, giving her patients the same sense of safety and support that Sara provided to her.
Wendy Joe, RN
Wendy is a Nephrology Unit nurse who is also a repeat Daisy award winner. She was nominated by two families for the care she provided their loved ones. One family mentioned how grateful they were for Wendy's knowledge, humor and kindness. The patient's wife said “it was great to have a consistent nurse in which my husband was able to bond with, which I believe helped him improve his overall health.” Another family called Wendy a “fresh breath of air” who lit up the room and made them feel welcome. They appreciated the education she provided during the patient's stay, as well as upon discharge so they could continue the care at home.
Alicia McGee, RN
Alicia McGee is an ICU nurse who is a repeat Daisy award winner. She was nominated by the family of a patient who had suddenly fallen ill and passed away a few days later. During the patient's time in the ICU, the family was grateful for the way Alicia treated their father with dignity and cared for him with the compassionate sensitivity he deserved. “He remained a person to her the entire time, never losing validity as an individual who meant something to somebody,” the family said in their nomination. “Thank You Alicia. Your compassion, effort, and integrity, mean everything.”
Jason Aikele, RN
Jason Aikele is a nurse in the Cardiac Cath Lab who is also a repeat Daisy award winner. He was nominated by two of his nursing peers for the way he goes above and beyond not only for his patients, but also his coworkers. Jason was working with a nurse on the Medical Unit after her patient had a procedure in the Cath Lab. This patient was from another country, and didn't have insurance coverage for the medication she needed to take during the rest of her stay in the U.S. Jason was able to help get a month-long sample of an approved medication for the patient. “He genuinely made my job easier that day and was able to seriously decrease future risk to the patient by getting her the appropriate blood thinner before discharge,” nurse Jessica Scott said in her nomination. “Jason is a pretty great teammate and definitely cares about patients, even the ones who aren't his.” Another nurse called Jason “the definition of a team player” for the way he's always willing to work anywhere he's needed. “Nurses like Jason do not come around often. He's exceptional not only because of what he does, but because of who he is,” nurse Phuc Trinh Duong said in her nomination.
Bryan Ender, RN
Bryan is an ICU nurse who was nominated by a patient's family for the compassion, dignity and respect he demonstrated while caring for a patient with complex medical needs. When he recognized that the patient was experiencing withdrawal symptoms, Bryan responded with both expertise and empathy, ensuring the patient was as comfortable as possible. He treated both the patient and family without judgment, creating an environment of trust during a difficult time. “I appreciated Bryan caring for my husband with dignity and respect,” the patient's wife said. “We want him to know that his level of care and compassion didn't go unnoticed.”
Kassi King, RN
Kassi is an ICU nurse who exemplifies the compassion, clinical excellence and leadership that define an extraordinary nurse. She is a trusted resource for her colleagues, consistently taking the time to listen, teach and support the team while providing exceptional care to patients and their families. Whether responding to rapid responses or code blue calls, mentoring new nurses, or proactively identifying opportunities to improve patient outcomes, Kassi leads with expertise, kindness and dedication. Her willingness to educate, collaborate, and go above and beyond has made a lasting impact on both her coworkers and patients. “All of us on Nephrology greatly appreciate everything Kassi does,” said nurse Wendy Joe in her nomination. “Her knowledge and willingness to listen to our concerns and address them make her our go-to person.”