Anna Cherry earns DAISY Award for supporting a family during a crisis

This week, Davis 10 PICU/PCICU nurse Anna Cherry, BSN, RN, was honored with a DAISY Award for the exceptional nursing care, compassion and strength she provided to a young patient and her family during an incredibly difficult time. Her clinical expertise, advocacy and compassion brought comfort and reassurance when they needed it most. Christine Williams, chief nursing executive, presented Anna with the award, recognizing the lasting impact she made on this family.

From the nomination:

“I would like to nominate Anna Cherry, RN, for a DAISY Award in recognition of the extraordinary care, compassion, and strength she provided to our daughter and to our family during the most terrifying time of our lives.

“When our daughter suffered a sudden and catastrophic brain hemorrhage, our world stopped. The ICU became our home, and fear was a constant companion. From the moment Anna stepped into our daughter’s care, she brought not only exceptional clinical skill, but a calm, steady presence that grounded us when everything felt out of control.

“Anna’s attention to detail, vigilance, and deep understanding of her complex neurologic condition were evident in every interaction. She anticipated needs, caught subtle changes, and advocated fiercely for our daughter. We trusted her completely with our child’s life, and that trust was never misplaced.

“What set Anna apart, however, was her humanity. She explained what was happening in ways we could understand when our minds were overwhelmed. She reassured us without giving us false hope. She treated our daughter not as a diagnosis, but as a little girl deeply loved by her family. She spoke to her, comforted her, and cared for her as if she were her own.

“Anna also cared for us. In moments of exhaustion and despair, she offered kindness, patience, and empathy. She never made us feel like a burden for asking questions or needing reassurance. Her compassion helped us survive hours and days we did not know how to endure.

“During one of the worst chapters of our lives, Anna Cherry was a source of safety, strength, and light. We will never forget the role she played in helping our family through this crisis. Her nursing embodies everything the DAISY Award represents.

“We are forever grateful for Anna’s care, and it is an honor to recommend her for this well-deserved recognition.”

Congratulations, Anna, on your DAISY Award!

About DAISY Awards:
The DAISY Award is part of The DAISY Foundation, an international program dedicated to recognizing nursing excellence. Established by the Barnes family in memory of their son, Patrick, the award honors the exceptional, compassionate care Patrick received from nurses during his eight-week hospitalization. To express their gratitude, the family created the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, celebrating the remarkable and often unsung work nurses perform every day at the bedside.