Nomination #1: I went into the hospital because I needed bunion and hammer toe surgery. As soon as I got off of the elevator Teresa was standing at the end of the hall waving at me. She took us to our room and she explained everything to me and was so patient. She told me everything she was doing and talked to me and not my family. It is important to talk to the patient. She was with me before surgery and after surgery. She has such a warm and giving nature about her.

Nomination #2: My sister was born with Cerebral Palsy and is physically and mentally handicapped. She requires assistance with most daily living skills and activities. My family and sister were obviously concerned about the surgery and the care she would receive. Teresa put us all at ease the minute she entered the room. She was so knowledgeable and patient. Her calm affect and warm-hearted approach dissipated all fears while she professionally prepared her for her journey to the OR.  Teresa kept the patient at the forefront of her mission as her kindness supported all of us. Thank you, Teresa!

Nomination #3: God was in Room 3018 on October 16, 2024. Teresa was in Bluffton Regional Medical Center waiting on the patient who was having surgery by the podiatrist Dr. Alex Lebraji for bunion removal and fixing of a hammer toe. It was immediate the way Teresa and the patient reacted to one another. Teresa knew immediately how to talk to her. She has had cerebral palsy since birth. Teresa has a daughter with autism. The patient wears her expression on her face. Every so often, Teresa would say to her, “Are you scowling at me?” Teresa always talked to the patient, not to her family who was waiting along with her. When it was getting closer to surgery, the anesthesiologist doctor appeared to chat with the patient. She told them that she did not handle anesthesia well. He was quick to tell her that he would take good care of her in the operating room. Dr. Lebraji soon came to see the patient about her procedure. Teresa reassured her that she would be coming back to the same room after surgery. Surgery was over and she was brought back to Room 3018. Teresa checked on her often. She noticed that her hammer toe was purple. She called the operating room two different times to see if Dr. Lebraji had time to come to the third floor to see the patient's hammer toe. Dr. Lebraji stopped in from the operating room and stated that all was good and that she could go home, but not to put any weight on her foot. Since it was necessary for this procedure it could not have worked any better. There are still good people in this world. Thank you to all who helped that day.

This is Teresa's 3rd DAISY Award!