The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes.  Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease.  The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

            Each month, a nurse will be selected to receive The DAISY Award from nominations received from patients, their families, physicians, and colleagues. The honoree will receive a certificate commending her or him for being an "Extraordinary Nurse."  The certificate reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people."  The honoree will also be given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.

            The DAISY Award winning nurses will also enjoy tasty Cinnabon treats.  One day while Patrick was in the hospital, he asked his family to bring him a Cinnabon cinnamon roll plus enough for all the nurses in his unit.  With the help of Cinnabon’s parent company, FOCUS Brands, The DAISY Foundation carries on this tradition by serving Cinnabons to all the nurses in the Award recipient’s unit in thanks for everything they do for their patients and families.

            "When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide acutely ill patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do,” said Bonnie Barnes, President and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation.  “The kind of work the nurses at NFH are called to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

            Having done this program at a previous hospital, Chief Nursing Officer Stuart Downs is proud to bring this program to North Fulton Hospital.  “We are proud to be among the hospitals participating in The DAISY Award program.  Nurses are heroes everyday.  Given the challenges that our nurses face every day as a result of the healthcare economy, The DAISY Award could not be launched at a better time.  It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”