DAISY Award Winner
Each month, an outstanding WakeMed nurse is presented with a DAISY Award to recognize the super-human work that nurses do every day.
January 2026 Winner: Leslie Crudup, RN
Neuro ICU – Raleigh Campus — Nurses
Nominator: patient's husband
Congratulations, Leslie Crudup, RN, for being recognized as the January 2026 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
"While all care in the unit was outstanding, I sincerely believe that our nurse Leslie played a major role in my husband recovering enough to be moved to acute care. Her attitude was always positive, no matter how trying the situation. Her compassion for me was heartfelt, and her willingness to think outside the box to find a solution for George's discomfort was literally the turning point to the beginning of his improvement.”
Thank you, Leslie Crudup, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
January 2026 Winner: Kyra Lyles, RN
6B Orthopedics – Raleigh Campus — Nurses
Nominator: patient's daughter
Congratulations, Kyra Lyles, RN, for being recognized as the January 2026 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
"When Kyra walked into my mom’s room, she brought a sense of urgency and empathy that immediately put us at ease. She thoroughly assessed my mom, quickly got her pain medication and, within 30 minutes, had two days’ worth of home medication reconciliation issues sorted. These were standard nursing tasks, but she did them in a way that felt like she was caring for her own family. Of all the things Kyra did, what stands out the most is that she knelt beside my mom’s bed when she spoke to her. Though she worked quickly and 'got stuff done,' those extra seconds she spent speaking gently to my mother — not raising her voice, but changing her delivery, so Mom could see her face and feel her presence made my mom feel so comfortable that she was able to express her needs without feeling like 'a bother.' Kyra anticipated what Mom needed, never missed a beat and brought a level of compassion and attentiveness that truly stood out.”
Thank you, Kyra Lyles, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
November 2025 Winner: Bailey Watson, RN
5C Medical – Surgical Intermediate Care – Raleigh Campus — Nurses
Nominator: patient
Congratulations, Bailey Watson, RN, for being recognized as the November 2025 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
"Bailey is an exceptional nurse on staff at WakeMed. I was in isolation with COVID, and she made it a priority to meet my needs as much and as long as she could. She always tried to spend a couple of extra minutes with me. She also never complained about having to talk loudly as I am hearing‑impaired. She treated me at all times with respect and dignity. She deserves to be recognized for her dedication to a very demanding profession, and she pulls it off with grace and kindness.”
Thank you, Bailey Watson, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
October 2025 Winner: Alexis Brewer, RN
Surgical & Trauma ICU – Raleigh Campus — Nurses
Nominator: patient's husband
Congratulations, Alexis Brewer, RN, for being recognized as the October 2025 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
"My wife has been a patient at WakeMed for over a month. I would like to give a particular shout out to Alexis as she has cared for my wife on numerous occasions and has made a special connection with my wife throughout her stay. Aside from her compassionate disposition, even when Alexis wasn’t assigned to her, Alexis made a point to visit my wife to see how she was doing and provide positive words of encouragement. These words have gone a long way to help her cope with her hospital stay and the future. Alexis also gave my wife a “spa” day: washing her hair, re-braiding it and painting her fingernails. I cannot fully express my deep gratitude for how happy Alexis makes my wife. The smile(s) on her face say it all — for her and for me.”
Thank you, Alexis Brewer, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
September 2025 Winner: Ying Guo, RN
2 West Intermediate Care – Cary Hospital — Nurses
Nominator: patient's family
Congratulations, Ying Guo, RN, for being recognized as the September 2025 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
"My husband was placed on comfort care — Ying went out of her way to make him comfortable as well as take care of those of us in his family. She stayed past her shift to give him a bath, changed his gown and sheets as well as ease his pain and anxiety. My husband was able to pass peacefully and comfortably. Her actions will be remembered as a great gift in such a scary and emotional time. She should be commended as she is the embodiment of a great nurse!"
Thank you, Ying Guo, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
August 2025 Winner: Fern Corral, RN
Intensive Care Unit – Cary Hospital — Nurses
Nominator: patient's family
Congratulations, Fern Corral, RN, for being recognized as the August 2025 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
"Fern’s beautiful spirit, kindness and skilled care were a gift during our most devastating time. Her gentle smile and caring heart made us feel at ease — she is truly an exceptional nurse!"
Thank you, Fern Corral, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
June 2025 Winner: Christie Ferrentino, RN
5B Neuro Intermediate Care – Raleigh Campus — Nurses
Nominator: patient
Congratulations, Christie Ferrentino, RN, for being recognized as the June 2025 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
"We are preparing to go home today. This would not have happened without Christie taking on more work. Her professionalism in all aspects of what we expect from a nurse is outstanding. What we feel makes Christie a candidate for the DAISY Award for Outstanding Nurses is that she epitomizes what we would call the HEART of nursing."
Thank you, Christie Ferrentino, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
July 2025 Winner: Nataly Jimenez, RN
Heart & Vascular – Cary Hospital — Nurses
Nominator: patient
Congratulations, Nataly Jimenez, RN, for being recognized as the July 2025 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
"As a long-time care patient, Nataly has gone above and beyond more times than I can count — even when not her patient — to make this experience as painless as possible — both physically and mentally. Nataly never minds the difficult task as long as it means making the patient feel happy and comfy. She made sure I got daily baths, changed my dressings and turned me every two hours — even when I had no motivation to do so. She’s the true meaning of a caregiver and makes me feel like family. She’s made this experience 110% better."
Thank you, Nataly Jimenez, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
May 2025 Winner: Cindy Bradley, RN
Heart & Vascular – Cary Hospital — Nurses
Nominator: patient's stepdaughter
Congratulations, Cindy Bradley, RN, for being recognized as the May 2025 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
"My stepfather had a catheterization done today at WakeMed Cary. When I arrived, my mom had to introduce me to "the best nurse," Cindy Bradley. Cindy immediately welcomed me and treated me with kindness and compassion. Over the next eight hours, I watched Cindy give such excellent care to my stepfather. She was the best nurse that I have witnessed in 53 years of living. Cindy exemplified compassion and professionalism. She ensured that my stepdad's every need was met to the highest standard. I enjoyed watching how Cindy made my stepdad laugh. A day that would have been scary and stressful, Cindy made enjoyable, providing not only medical care but also emotional support. She was so good at knowing how to interact with his personality style. She exemplifies everything that someone would want in a nurse. It is so incredible to have someone as perfect as Cindy in this world."
Thank you, Cindy Bradley, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
April 2025 Winner: Carly Dunn, RN
Heart & Vascular – Raleigh Campus — Nurses
Nominator: patient's granddaughter
Congratulations, Carly Dunn, RN, for being recognized as the April 2025 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
"On February 5, Carly took care of my Pa for the first time. She was the first nurse to witness what I had been saying about my Pa and how he would nod or shake his head to yes or no questions and how he could follow commands. Carly advocated for my Pa. I felt heard and believed. We were fortunate to have Carly the next two days where each day, she would advocate for him and was able to get PT and OT even more involved with him on February 7. That was the day I knew my Pa was going to defeat all the odds stacked against him. That began when Carly advocated for him and took the time to help and work with him in every way that she could. My Pa is now at an LTACH facility almost a month later, but I don't think we would have ever gotten to this point had it not been for Carly. There will never be enough words of gratitude to truly thank her for all she did for my Pa. She was a ray of light in those dark and uncertain days. She was a glimmer of hope sent to us when we were lost. Carly, I can never thank you enough for the compassion and kindness you showed my Pa and my family. You're the perfect example of a caring nurse. Thank you for all you have done."
Thank you, Carly Dunn, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
March 2025 Winner: Peggy Spangler, RN
Labor & Delivery – Cary Hospital — Nurses
Nominator: patient
Congratulations, Peggy Spangler, RN, for being recognized as the March 2025 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
"In March of 2022, as a first-time mom, I entered labor and delivery at just 32 weeks, terrified, unable to explain how I felt and very lost. In walked Peggy Spangler, the literal walking definition of everything a nurse should be. Peggy listened, she cared, but mostly she made me feel seen and heard. Peggy never left my side during my eight-day stay and always checked up on my child and my family as we navigated the NICU. Fast forward to literally three years and one day later, March 4, 2022. I once again found myself back at WakeMed Cary — this time for an elective C-section, once again early. I had messaged Peggy letting her know, and she immediately went into action. I walked through the doors at 5:30 am, crying after the registration woman asked me how I was. Then the first face I saw was Peggy Spangler. She was waiting for me and sat by my side, even placing an IV after others couldn't. As I got wheeled back to the operating room, Peggy was by my side. As I was taken back to postpartum, a familiar voice entered my room checking in on us and chatting to ensure we were okay. It was Peggy Spangler. Nurses like Peggy show up, educate, show compassion and deliver care, not only to their patients, but also their families. Every single nurse I come into contact with has said how Peggy influenced them/their career, and the same I am sure can be said for every patient who has been in her care."
Thank you, Peggy Spangler, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
February 2025 Winner: Latasha Phillips, RN
CVICU – Raleigh Campus — Nurses
Nominator: patient's family
Congratulations, Latasha Phillips, RN, for being recognized as the February 2025 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
"I sat down many times in the last seven months since we lost my brother-in-law to write this because the impact Latasha made on my family will forever be carried in our hearts. Latasha came into his hospital room, introduced herself, told us how sorry she was that we were all here and meeting like this. She stated how sick Teddy was; she told us it was going to be a long day but that we were all doing it together. She said she would explain everything she was doing. She encouraged us to stop her and ask questions when clarity was needed. She explained her assessment as she completed that first one of many for her shift. When she left the room for the first time that morning, I looked at my family and said, she is going to be amazing. Throughout the next 12 hours, her skill, knowledge, compassion and abilities shone through in literally every step she took. She coordinated goals of care conversations between the providers and us. She was honest while understanding where each person was with acceptance and hope. She advocated for next steps when she knew we were ready to discuss them. She clarified wishes when it was confusing and unclear and so devasting and scary for us. I have been a nurse for 27 years. In those years I have watched, worked with, coached and mentored many nurses. I have been the recipient of coaching and mentoring from many as well. Nurses navigate through times that are the happiest and scariest and worst of people's lives. It is a calling. Latasha Phillips takes that calling to a higher level than is expected. She has perfected creating a safe environment for families to work through grief and chose dignity for their loved ones. Her clinical skills are so strong that even with the sickest patient she does not skip a beat not reacting but seeing at least three steps ahead to anticipate what life saving measures are near. Her interdisciplinary relationships are respected in each interaction with the team. I am 110% sure many families feel this way also, and if she is not getting a DAISY nomination every day because of my experience, I can say that it is hard to put this into words through my grief. Latasha, thank you. We will never forget you."
Thank you, Latasha Phillips, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
January 2025 Winner: Caitlin O'Fallon, RN
Medical ICU – Raleigh Campus — Nurses
Nominator: colleagues
Congratulations, Caitlin O'Fallon, RN, for being recognized as the January 2025 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
“Caitlin had a patient who had been placed on comfort care. Family at the bedside had expressed that the dying last wish from the patient was to say goodbye to all of his loved ones. The patient was able to say goodbye to all except his beloved dog. Caitlin expressed a strong desire to make this particular request a reality. Caitlin spoke with her charge RN then sought further guidance from her supervisor and CA. In Caitlin's unwavering need to provide care for her patient, she sought out the patient's primary care doctor and gave a compelling list of rationales that got her patient transferred to another unit with non-monitored status. This dedication to her patient, respect for people as well as Caitlin's commitment and accountability for the Wake Way got her patient transferred. Finally, after four hours of focus, her patient was able to finally say goodbye to his beloved four-legged family member. Caitlin was thanked by the family and receiving nurse. They stated that the patient was waiting to kiss his dog goodbye. Afterwards, the patient died content and at peace. 'In life as it is in nursing, the little things are the big things."”
Thank you, Caitlin O'Fallon, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
November 2024 Winner: Morgan Lee, RN
4C Women's Pavilion/Birthplace – Raleigh Campus — Nurses
Nominator: colleagues
Congratulations, Morgan Lee, RN, for being recognized as the November 2024 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
“Morgan Lee is more than deserving of receiving the prestigious Daisy award. Morgan was the primary nurse for a postpartum mental health patient who was in an active state of psychosis. Morgan was so impressive with the care she delivered. She was kind, thoughtful, patient and so understanding. This patient had a history of being violent towards staff and required many BERTs throughout her stay, but this did not change Morgan's attitude or the quality of care she delivered in the slightest. The patient had developed a wonderful rapport with Morgan and trusted her so much. Unfortunately, we were going to have to separate this patient from her baby, as the patient required inpatient psych treatment off our campus. This event required many disciplines throughout the hospital including psych, OB, mental health techs, campus police, social work and the CA. The collaboration was flawless and inspiring. To top it off, the one "simple" thing that made me so proud of Morgan was her generous effort to make the mom still feel connected to her baby while she was in psychiatric treatment. Morgan made a colorful and beautiful poster with the baby's name, so the mother could have it in her room. Morgan, you are such a wonderful nurse, and I'm so proud of you for handling a very difficult situation with so much grace.”
Thank you, Morgan Lee, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
October 2024 Winner: Andrea DeJong, RN
3E – Raleigh Campus — Nurses
Nominator: colleagues
Congratulations, Andrea DeJong, RN, for being recognized as the October 2024 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
“Andrea used every spare moment of her shift to work on our patient's hair. Her hair was matted. Andrea used her own money to get the tools to improve the state of her hair. She worked tirelessly to save as much hair as possible and improve the patient's scalp integrity. Two brushes, two combs and a bottle of conditioner later, she restored and saved our patients hair to its former glory. I hope if I am ever in that situation, someone will care enough to try to save my hair instead of shaving it all off.”
Thank you, Andrea DeJong, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
September 2024 Winner: Ashley Reid, RN
ICU – North Hospital — Nurses
Nominator: patient's son
Congratulations, Ashley Reid, RN, for being recognized as the September 2024 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
“Ashley was 'always right there' not just to check on Mom but on the family. She was great at answering all our questions and giving us additional information about my mom and the dying process. She kept Mom comfortable and was always greeting our family with a smile. She helped us cope and take much needed rest on nights knowing that Mom was in good hands. Ashley went far above and beyond to give extraordinary care to my mother and at the same time our family.”
Thank you, Ashley Reid, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
August 2024 Winner: Kristen Barbour, RN
Labor & Delivery – Raleigh Campus — Nurses
Nominator: colleague
Congratulations, Kristen Barbour, RN, for being recognized as the August 2024 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
“I can't even put into words how special and amazing Kristen Barbour is. When I think of what type of nurse I want to grow to be, she quickly comes to mind. Kristen is the Chair of the Systemwide Pregnancy Perinatal & Neonatal Loss Committee, and she works hard to standardize processes across the 4th floor. We don't expect to deal with end of life, especially in infancy, which means we only get one chance to do it right. Her care, detail, passion and knowledge of end of life is the reason WakeMed gets it right. We had a specific scenario in the NICU where we lost the patient. In all of the stress that comes with end of life, the family requested molds for the hands and feet to be done for the baby as a keepsake. It was a busy night, the Chaplain's did not get to do the molds and the baby was picked up by the funeral home before they could get them done. Kristen was not going to let this get in the way of offering the best care for this family. She reached out to the sweet family to make sure it was okay, and she took it upon herself to go to the funeral home and do the molds herself. Kristen's passion for the families that have experienced loss is truly amazing and so self-less. Thank you, Kristen, for all you do to get the worst day of people's lives right! And thank you for all the support you have shown the NICU and Newborn Specialist.”
Thank you, Kristen Barbour, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
July 2024 Winner: Alex Zalkin, RN
2E – Cary Hospital — Nurses
Nominator: patient's wife
Congratulations, Alex Zalkin, RN, for being recognized as the July 2024 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
“When we were in the hospital and placed in a situation where we were unable to be self-sufficient, Alex was the nurse we wanted. She is compassionate and dependable. She asked us our goals for the day, and let me tell you, she achieved them. When my husband felt pain coming on, Alex was already knocking on the door. These preemptive visits to address all of my husband's needs in person were consistent throughout the day. She was reliable and made us feel as though we were her top priority by ensuring we conveniently had everything we needed for my husband to heal. On day two, she knew my husband's goal was to walk, so he could get discharged home. She had him up walking the halls before the MD and even PT could visit him that day. Alex went above and beyond and called the pharmacy herself to get the ball moving, allowing us to obtain our prescriptions to go home. Last, we have to acknowledge that she makes the patient's room a little homier/welcoming by drawing a cute piece of artwork by her name to add some flair to those black screens. 2 East is lucky to have her as part of the team.”
Thank you, Alex Zalkin, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
June 2024 Winner: Elizabeth Quinlan, RN
2W – Cary Hospital — Nurses
Nominator: patient's daughter
Congratulations, Elizabeth Quinlan, RN, for being recognized as the June 2024 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
“My wife is a big science and astronomy buff and really wanted to see the eclipse. From the start of her shift, Elizabeth swore she’d get my wife out to see it. She even went over and above to get my wife materials to make a viewing box. At around 2:40, she came to our room with a smile and a wheelchair and said, 'I told you I’d get you out there.' She took her down while on oxygen and allowed my wife to view this once in a lifetime opportunity. She is the personification of the DAISY award. Cary Hospital and 2 West are lucky to have a nurse who goes that far above and beyond the normal nursing role. What she possesses in her care is not taught but innate to someone who exudes greatness. We are both grateful for having such a wonderful and compassionate nurse who has made healing progress so much faster.”
Thank you, Elizabeth Quinlan, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
May 2024 Winner: Kenzli Underwood, RN
2W – Cary Hospital — Nurses
Nominator: patient's daughter
Congratulations, Kenzli Underwood, RN, for being recognized as the May 2024 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
“Kenzli was my mom's nurse on 2 West for a couple days in a row. She was a ray of sunshine in our dark time. She provided so much compassion to my mom. She was never rushed and made us feel like we were her only patient. We needed a lot of coordination between specialists including wound care, and Kenzli was able to do that seamlessly and make sure all of our boxes got checked off. We thoroughly enjoyed having Kenzli be our nurse and felt very reassured and safe with Mom in her care. Being a cardiac nurse myself, I have only the highest of compliments and praise for Kenzli. She truly went above and beyond to turn a horrific experience into a better one. Kenzli was a step ahead of us and thought of things Mom needed before she even knew she needed them. She did everything with so much compassion and joy, as if it were no trouble at all. Not only did Kenzli take exceptional and superlative care of Mom, but she extended that same compassion to my dad and me as well.”
Thank you, Kenzli Underwood, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”
April 2024 Winner: Ramila KC, RN
3A – Raleigh — Nurses
Nominator: patient
Congratulations, Ramila KC, RN, for being recognized as the April 2024 DAISY Award Recipient!
Below is an excerpt from the DAISY Award nomination written about you:
“After two days of difficult news facing open heart surgery, I was blessed to have Ramila take care of me. Some nurses give you medications and leave, that’s fine. I needed someone to help me pull out of a place of fear and doubt. Ramila gave me more than medications. She gave me her time, words of encouragement and the hope I’ll need to get through what I’m about to face. My greatest fear is what will happen to my wife of 44 years and my wonderful daughter who’s postponed her life to care for her parents.
Words are so very important; it is how we communicate and help one another. Ramila has chosen a life of service. There is nothing more honorable than this commitment. Please read my words and in doing so realize how very fortunate we all are to have her touch our lives. Credit also to Amy Sullivan who has a gift in leading such a wonderful staff, exemplified by Ramila. I will never forget Ramilla and will pray for her.”
Thank you, Ramila KC, RN — “We are Proud You are a WakeMed Nurse!”