Recognizing January 2026 DAISY Award Recipients

DAISY recipient: Danyel Strother
Department: Labor and delivery
Nominated by: Family/Visitor

Family: "I would like to nominate Danyel for the exceptional and deeply compassionate care she provided to us during the loss of our baby boy. From the moment she walked into our room, we felt an immediate sense of safety, comfort, and trust. She carried a presence that made us feel held during the most painful moment of our lives.

Throughout the induction process, Danyel was by our side. She checked in constantly, offering support, answering every question, and tending to both my physical needs and our emotional ones. As I began progressing into labor, she was supposed to go on her lunch break, but the moment she heard that things were changing, she returned without hesitation.

She chose to miss the rest of her break so she could be there to deliver our baby something we will never forget, because it showed how deeply she cared. Danyel triple-checked every detail, communicated closely with our doctor, and went above and beyond to make sure everything was done with accuracy, gentleness, and respect. After our son was born, she cared for him with such tenderness. She took all our photos, supported us through those sacred moments, and made us feel listened to, protected, and never alone.

What stands out most about Danyel is her strength and compassion. She experiences heartbreaking situations like ours far more often than anyone should have to, yet she never once let the weight of it show in a way that took away from us. Instead, she poured kindness into every moment and made us feel truly cared for.

I can only imagine how hard it must be to stay composed in these circumstances to see families say goodbye to their babies yet she handled everything with grace, empathy, and unwavering presence. Danyel will forever be a part of our hearts. In our darkest moment, she was our light, and we are endlessly grateful for the way she held our family with such love and dignity."

DAISY recipient: Tristiana Santillan
Department: Float pool
Nominated by: Patient

Patient: "I am an 81-year-old woman who fell at home and broke my hip. I also hit my foot on the table, bruised my leg and broke my pinky toe. Tristiana was wonderful! She made sure I urinated enough even though it meant that she would have to change my sheets and blankets every time which was really every hour. She was my night nurse. She went above and beyond any nurse I've ever had in the two weeks that I've been here at Rideout.

I had not been shown how to use the white hospital phone since I've been here. But Tristiana showed me how to use it and what the numbers after the nurse's names meant and how to put them into the white phone instead of the grey call phone to the front desk. Tristiana is the only nurse in my two week stay to take her time to show me so I wouldn't bother the front desk even though she knew it meant I would be calling her all night long.

Tristiana really put her patient first. She is a great nurse, caring and really wonderful. She cares so much about her patients. I just love her so much. Best nurse ever! Thank you Tristiana."

DAISY recipient: Estaban Menendez
Department: Emergency department
Nominated by: Patient

Patient: "I had been suffering from a very painful and concerning headache for four weeks which caused the left side of my head to be very sore and sensitive, along with lightheadedness and nausea. I was worried about what a CT Scan and bloodwork may show. The moment I was given a room, Estaban came in and introduced himself, and from that point on he proceeded to offer the best care I've ever received from any nurse I've ever had.

Not only did he continue to make sure my comfort level was great, but he would also constantly give me updates on how close my tests were to being completed. He did his best to expedite these tests as he knew I had been worried and suffering from pain. I explained to him that even if the tests were negative of any bad news that I would be so grateful as to have ruled out the worst. And my luck prevailed! No signs of real trouble and Estaban was right there to breathe that sigh of relief with me. He continued to help expedite my discharge as he knew I had been there about seven hours but wanted to make sure I was cleared of any danger as far as my pain was concerned.

Dr. Snyder and Estaban made those seven hours much easier to cope with, always keeping me posted and spending a generous amount of time with just conversation and keeping me comfortable. Even though the cause of my headaches were undetermined, they ruled out the worst and as of today I am feeling much better! I was impressed with Estaban 's concern for me and his knowledge and compassion totally was over the top and above and beyond what I've experienced with any of my several various hospital visits. I was not expecting all that attention, and it was impressive.

He is a great asset to Rideout and a perfect example of the incredible care a Nurse brings. A people person and just a genuine great guy! I believe he is in the perfect profession and it shows. Thank you Estaban and Rideout Emergency for the GREAT care!"