Nurse Rachel took care of my 26-year-old daughter, K, while she was in hospital for severe pneumonia infection. K has Down syndrome so caring for her requires more than a typical adult. Rachel cared for K for over 7 days during her hospital stay. Rachel was kind, caring, positive, and patient with K. She treated her with respect and always asked her preferences when one was available. And explained what tests and equipment were for in simple, clear language. Rachel did not rush K or talk over her head when we (K's parents) were in the room. She treated K like the adult she is but also made an intentional effort to accommodate K's developmental disability with simple, clear explanations. K recovered well from her infection, and we expect she'll be able to go home within the next two days. I'm submitting this nomination now because Rachel will be off forthe  next few days, so today will probably be our last interaction with Rachel. I wholeheartedly nominate Rachel Kennedy for the DAISY Award.