St. Anthony nurse receives Daisy Award

SSM Health Saint Anthony Hospital recently recognized one of their nurses with The Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize nurses who provide extraordinary care for their patients, family and team members.  

Blakely Palafox, a registered nurse at St. Anthony, was the latest recipient of The Daisy Award. A patient who nominated him said, “I asked (Blakely) ‘Do you believe in angels?’ He said, ‘yes.’ I told him God sent you to me; you are my angel.’”
 
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at age 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired the award.
 
Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. They are chosen by a committee of nurses at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital. Awards are given throughout the year.

Each honoree receives a certificate commending them for being an extraordinary nurse. The certificate reads: "In deep appreciation for all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people." The honoree also is given a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.