Maria Parham Health Nurse Courtney Wilkerson Honored with DAISY Award

Maria Parham Health is proud to recognize Courtney Wilkerson, BSN, RN, of the hospital’s Cancer Center, for receiving the prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Courtney was nominated by a grateful patient who described her as one of the kindest and most caring nurses they had ever encountered. The nomination highlights the profound impact Courtney had on the patient during what was an especially difficult time following a cancer diagnosis.

“When I was first diagnosed with cancer, it was a hard blow, and I wanted to be left alone,” the patient wrote in the nomination. “I was so rude to her, but she was always so very kind.”

The patient went on to describe Courtney’s compassion and the personal connection she provided throughout their treatment.

“Courtney prayed with me and for me,” the patient shared. “She has a loving and kind heart and is always checking on me. Courtney has made this difficult journey a little more bearable.”

The DAISY Award was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disease. During Patrick’s eight-week hospitalization, his family was deeply moved by the extraordinary compassion and care his nurses provided—not only to Patrick, but to his entire family.

In Patrick’s memory, his family established The DAISY Foundation with a mission to recognize nurses who make an extraordinary difference in the lives of their patients and families through the compassion, skill and dedication they demonstrate every day.

The name DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, reflecting the circumstances surrounding Patrick’s illness and the foundation created in his honor.

At Maria Parham Health, DAISY Award nominations provide an opportunity for patients, families and colleagues to recognize nurses who go above and beyond the clinical responsibilities of their profession. These nominations shine a light on the personal moments of nursing—the encouragement, compassion, advocacy, comfort and human connection that can profoundly affect a patient’s experience.

For Courtney, her nomination is a powerful reminder of the difference that compassionate care can make.

“The Cancer Center is very blessed to have the most loving and caring nurses ever,” the patient wrote. “For that reason, I nominate my sweet nurse Courtney for the DAISY Award.”

Maria Parham Health congratulates Courtney on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for embodying the compassion and commitment that define exceptional nursing.

“Courtney’s nomination beautifully illustrates what nursing is truly about,” said Betsy Hunt, Chief Nursing Officer at Maria Parham Health. “Her patient recognized not only the excellent care she provided, but the kindness, compassion and personal support she offered during an incredibly difficult chapter in their life. We are incredibly proud of Courtney and grateful for the difference she makes for our patients and their families.”

The DAISY Award is represented by a hand-carved sculpture called the Healer’s Touch, crafted from Serpentine stone in Zimbabwe. The sculpture symbolizes the profound respect the Shona people have for traditional healers and represents the special healing touch nurses bring to their patients.

DAISY celebrations also traditionally include cinnamon buns in honor of Patrick Barnes, who loved the comforting smell of cinnamon.

Through the DAISY Award program, Maria Parham Health is honored to celebrate nurses like Courtney Wilkerson whose compassion extends beyond treatment and procedures to provide comfort, hope and encouragement when patients need it most.

Congratulations, Courtney, and thank you for the extraordinary care you provide every day.