I would like to nominate Crystal Foster for the DAISY Award for her sincere compassion and dedication that she demonstrates to her patients, families, and co-workers. Particularly, when Crystal cared for a patient who was admitted for a pulmonary workup for an end-stage metastatic disease. The patient was not doing well, terminal in fact, and decided not to prolong his process. The patient had all of his family which included his parents, brother, wife, and 4 children.
The entire focus shifted when Crystal found out that the next day was his youngest daughter's birthday. Crystal had worked with the patient and family and knew that the patient could pass away without giving his daughter the best birthday party she could have ever envisioned. Crystal got Child Life Department involved and the planning of a party for her patient's youngest daughter started to take shape. They coordinated a place to have the party and what kind of food/dessert would be served. Crystal's enthusiasm and clear compassion for this family created a totally different tone within the unit. The unit had suffered multiple losses within only a few short days. The night team was so inspired by Crystal and this family that decorations were made for the entire family.
The patient had not done so well throughout the night but was determined to make it through his daughter's birthday party. With the fact that the patient had started to decline the party had to take place within the patient room. Crystal was so moved by the night team's effort to decorate that the decision to decorate the room earlier rather than later was made. Crystal brought all of the decorations in the room which actually woke the patient up and put a huge smile on his face. Crystal worked all day with this family to provide the best last day for this family. The birthday included food, drink, dog visits, and ice cream and handmade paper crowns. When it came for Crystal to leave that night the unit found itself short and Crystal jumped at the opportunity to staff after and help take care of the patient and his family until the patient passed away surrounded by his loved ones.
While I think the entire efforts of the MICU team made this patient's admission special, it was Crystal who inspired her co-workers and created a truly magical experience for the patient and his family. Without her hard work and dedication to the entire day, the birthday party would not have become what it did.