I am writing to nominate Leigh F. for the DAISY Award in recognition of her exceptional care, compassion, and professionalism during my recent visit to the hospital. Throughout my time here, I have struggled with a number of challenges related to both my physical and mental health. As a wound care patient, I have found myself in an emotionally vulnerable state, and unfortunately, the treatment I received from many in the clinical staff only seemed to deepen that feeling of being dismissed or dehumanized. I’ve often felt as though I was just another patient—another number. But Leigh was different. From the moment I interacted with her, I felt seen, heard, and respected. She approached me with a level of empathy and concern that is incredibly rare in a clinical setting. Leigh took the time to listen to my worries, acknowledge my feelings, and engage with me in a way that made me feel human again. She didn’t rush through the conversation or treat me like just another task on her to-do list. Instead, she patiently discussed my concerns with me before proceeding with any care, validating my experiences and truly hearing what I had to say. Leigh is a shining example of what it means to be a nurse—not just in terms of technical skill, but in remembering the "why" behind the decision to become a nurse in the first place: to help people, to care for them, and to treat them with dignity and respect. She exuded a level of compassion that reversed all of the negative emotions I had been experiencing up until that point, and she helped me through a difficult time with professionalism, warmth, and genuine kindness. Despite my own personal struggles and my sometimes less-than-positive attitude due to the compounded challenges I faced, Leigh did not let that deter her from offering the best care possible. She remained calm, patient, and understanding, helping me through difficult moments with grace. Leigh has restored my faith in what compassionate care truly looks like. I believe she embodies the very spirit of the DAISY Award