SSM Health Cancer Care Nurse Receives DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses Honor

***Submitted Article***

Karen Courtney’s world changed in August 2020 when she was diagnosed with cancer. In that time, she has built a strong base of support and compassion through the SSM Health Cancer Care.  

“I was scared, concerned, and very hesitant to walk through those doors there,” Karen, a Fond du Lac resident, recalls. “I have said to many people how wonderful the cancer center is in Fond du Lac. Then I add that unfortunately if you have to go there, fortunately it is a wonderful caring place.” 

Karen’s treatment plan is being coordinated through Drs. Sameer Tolay and Filip Troicki, radiation oncologists, and she is grateful for compassionate care offered by Kristie Hepp, social work, and Matt Mattila, pharmacist. 

Her cancer journey has been made a little easier through ongoing support of Sara Schmahl, LPN, SSM Health Cancer Care,  

In fact, a nomination from Karen has led to Schmahl being named as a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses winner at the SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic. 

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® is part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. Karen writes in her nomination: 

Sara has taken so much time to explain information with me. From day one when she comes into the lobby, she softly says my name and tilts her head which I see as warmth and gently asks how I am doing. I had to call the on-call doctor one weekend and not to my surprise Sarah called me on Monday morning to ask if all my questions were answered and to see if everything was OK. I see her as someone who cares deeply. She has also always gone above and beyond to schedule all my scans. I’ve had many and it’s every single time!  

I was telling a friend about how much I love my nurse. She shared that her mother had Sara also and that they felt the same way. She is so deserving of the DAISY Award. However, I don’t think she may even expect it or want the attention. She cares for patients with her heart. She genuinely cares! I see it every time I am there. The first time I went through treatment no one could come with me because of COVID. She was like my lifeline. My family who now can come with me sees how wonderful she is. She is so helpful, compassionate, and kind.  

I am forever grateful for all of the gentle care she has provided for me at this most sensitive time in my life. My heart is so touched and grateful. 

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family. 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. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) 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. 

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen based on specific criteria to receive The DAISY Award. Awards are presented to one recipient on a quarterly basis at celebrations attended by the honoree’s colleagues, patients, and visitors.   

During a brief ceremony on July 20, Schmahl was recognized by Mike Drees, VP – Clinic Operations, and Missy Tate, Ambulatory Operations administrator. Schmahl received a certificate commending her as 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.” Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin, and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.  

“When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” according to Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, president and co-founder of The DAISY Foundation. “Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human, extraordinary, compassionate work they do. The kind of work the nurses at the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.” 

More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.