Daisy Award
February 2025 Recipient – McKenzie Babb- 8 QB
Congratulations to McKenzie Babb, RN, Hematology/Oncology, who was recognized with the latest DAISY Award! Her nomination read, in part, "My daughter is 4 years old and recently diagnosed with leukemia. During this time, everything seemed like a blur until we got on 8 Quarterback. McKenzie was phenomenal. She was sweet and compassionate. I shared with her our religious beliefs, and she asked if she could pray with us over the first dose of chemo. She has checked on us every day since. Everyone is amazing, but our Miss Kenzie is a walking saving grace during this dark time of diagnosis. EVERYONE NEEDS A MCKENZIE!" Congratulations, McKenzie!
The DAISY Foundation was established in 2000 by the Barnes family in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) at the age of 33. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. Having been touched by the remarkable care, clinical skills and compassion demonstrated by nurses during Patrick's illness, the Barnes family made it their mission to recognize exceptional nurses around the world.
A DAISY Award will be given once a month. The monthly award winner will be recognized at a ceremony and will receive a framed certificate, a DAISY Award signature lapel pin and a hand-carved stone sculpture entitled A Healer's Touch. Additionally, the unit or department of the recipient will receive Cinnabon's cinnamon rolls—a favorite of Patrick's during his illness—with the sentiment that the heavenly aroma will remind them how special they are and how important their work is.
Nurses that receive The DAISY Award personify Children's of Alabama's remarkable patient experience. These individuals consistently demonstrate excellence by:
- Serving as a role model for the nursing profession
- Demonstrating a caring attitude in all situations
- Communicating with compassion, using words the patient and family understand
- Making a significant difference in the life of a patient
