J. Patrick Barnes’ family established the DAISY Foundation in 1999. Patrick died of complications of an auto-immune disease at 33. DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem.

Patrick’s family was amazed by the care and compassion of his nurses while he was in the hospital. That’s why the DAISY Award recognizes extraordinary nurses who make an enormous difference to so many.

The DAISY Award

Each DAISY Award honoree is recognized at a ceremony in their unit. They will get:

• A certificate
• A DAISY Award pin
• A handcarved stone sculpture titled "A Healer's Touch"
• A unit celebration with cinnamon rolls — a favorite of Patrick's

The Barnes family asks nurses to think about how special they are whenever they smell that wonderful cinnamon aroma.

How to Nominate an Extraordinary Nurse

Choose where the nurse works below. Then, complete the online form.

• Central DuPage Hospital
• Delnor Hospital
• Huntley Hospital
• Kishwaukee Hospital
• Lake Forest Hospital
• Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
• McHenry Hospital
• Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Palos Hospital
• Valley West Hospital
• Woodstock Hospital
• Immediate Care Centers or Occupational Health locations
• Chicago physician and medical offices (including Evanston)
• Suburban physician and medical offices