Nursing Recognition

Lowell General Hospital’s DAISY Nurse Leader Award offers a way for team members to express their gratitude for the compassionate environment nurse leaders provide. The nominations call for stories and examples of how a nurse leader has had an impact on staff and the patient care they manage.

August 2025 DAISY Nurse Leader Award Winner

Colleen Flaherty, RN
RN Educator
Nursing Education

“It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Colleen Flaherty for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. 
As the Program Coordinator and Developer of the Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program at Lowell General Hospital, Colleen demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the successful onboarding of newly hired PCTS, both with and without prior experience. Colleen’s passion for her work is evident in her diligent efforts to design and refine the program curriculum, ensuring that each new hire has a positive and effective transition into their role. Through her continuous development of the program, Colleen ensures that PCTs are well-equipped with the skills and confidence necessary to excel within their scope of practice and adhere to the highest standards of care. 

In addition to her work with the PCT Program, Colleen has also been instrumental in the creation and growth of the RQI Program within the organization. Under her leadership, the program has achieved remarkable success and continues to expand. Colleen is not only an exceptional educator but also a dedicated mentor, preceptor, and colleague. Her expertise and guidance are invaluable assets to the Nursing Education and Professional Practice Team. 

I wholeheartedly recommend Colleen for this well-deserved award. Her dedication to advancing professional practice and supporting her colleagues is truly commendable. Lowell General Hospital is fortunate to have such a talented and inspiring nursing leader.”
 

January 2025 DAISY Nurse Leader Award Winner

Erin Melia, RN, Clinical Nurse Leader
Cancer Care Associates

“I have worked with Erin at the Cancer Center for five years. Every single day she comes to work and supports us in every way she can. She always offers a listening ear and provides the best advice and guidance. Erin is such a selfless person who is always willing to help staff and patients. Erin deserves to be acknowledged and appreciated in every way for the work and care she puts into this practice and team.”

“First off, Erin is instrumental in keeping our clinic patients safe, informed and happy. She triages phone calls and assesses needs independently, which is an amazing help during a busy clinic day. She also helps staff members each day, whether helping with a conflict, staffing issue or medical questions - Erin is always there. Her leadership keeps our team together. She is also kind, thoughtful and empathetic. She is the go-to nurse in the clinic for any challenging issue as she will always find a solution. Erin, we love and appreciate you!”

“Erin is an amazing nurse and clinical leader. As the Medical Director of the Cancer Center, I have worked closely with her for several years now and I can honestly say she is the best I have ever worked with. She is hard working, leads by example, and puts patients first in everything she does. She is smart, resourceful and efficient. She more than deserves this award! We are lucky to have her at the CCA!”

“Erin always goes above and beyond for patients and staff, and shows great attention to detail. She is one of the most compassionate nurses I have ever worked with. CCA would not be the same without her. Thank you, Erin for all you do! You are appreciated more than you realize.”

“Erin deserves this award to be recognized for the amazing nurse leader she is. Erin is an advocate not only for her patients, but also her staff. She continues to go above and beyond each day to help keep our Cancer Center running efficiently. She is always reliable, and is respectful to all members of our team. She is a true role model for us and her hard work never goes unnoticed!”

“Erin is a wonderful clinical leader. If I have questions about anything here at work, I can always go to her with ease and ask her for help. If I or any other medical assistant needs help, Erin is always willing to jump in and help. She is always checking on her staff to see if we need anything, and to make sure that everyone is doing well. She has a wonderful personality on top of everything - always cheerful!”

“Erin is an amazing advocate for patients and staff in our department. She is always going above and beyond to make sure all of our patients’ needs are met.”

“Erin is one of the hardest working and most well-rounded nurses here. She is always available to listen and help problem solve among staff, with physicians and NPs, PAs, MAs and RNs, and she always has our backs. She is a fantastic and thorough advocate for her patients. I truly admire all that she does every day for so many different people. She is always communicating clearly and with as many people as possible. There is never any question about what is happening when Erin is involved. Her compassion towards her colleagues and patients is unmatched and deserves all the recognition she can get!”
 

Lowell General Hospital's DAISY Award program recognizes nurses who provide exceptional care for patients. Nurses are nominated by patients based on their demonstration of their clinical skills, caring and compassion, to say thank you.
 

November 2025 DAISY Award Winner
Amy Alsman, RN
Labor & Delivery

“I am nominating Amy for the DAISY Award because she went far above and beyond during my labor and delivery. My labor lasted much longer than expected, yet Amy selflessly stayed 3.5 hours past her shift to remain by my side. She explained every step, kept me calm when I was overwhelmed, and gave me the encouragement I needed to keep going. Her dedication, compassion and unwavering presence transformed one of the most vulnerable moments of my life into an experience filled with trust, gratitude and joy.”
 

October 2025 DAISY Award Winner
Chloe Dunn, RN
R4

“Chloe’s dedication to her staff, and especially her patients, is commendable. When I was transferred to the R4 unit, she made me feel heard and safe to ask questions. Chloe is always trying to figure out a way to make her patients, including myself, feel understood and heard. I want to nominate her [for the DAISY Award] because of the caring, kind, hard-working nurse she is. Chloe, you are truly a blessing to the Saints campus, to your patients, and to your coworkers as well. God bless you for the kind soul you are. Thank you, from your patient, for always making me feel heard, seen and like I am a priority.”
 

September 2025 DAISY Award Winner
Chelsea Cody, RN
ICU-G

“Chelsea is truly the definition of DAISY. Chelsea always has a smile on her face, a positive attitude and looks at the glass half full in all situations. Whenever Chelsea is on, either as rapid nurse, charge nurse, or working the floor, she will be there no matter what with a helping hand.
Chelsea always brings the morale up on the unit. She is always willing to teach and is always open to learning new material. Patients and their families always praise how great of a nurse and person she is. Chelsea isn't only a great nurse, she also is a great friend you can lean on when needed the most. If my family or I was ever in ICU, I know for a fact I would want Chelsea as my nurse. She is one of a kind.”
 

August 2025 DAISY Award Winner
Nicole Claflin, RN
Labor & Delivery

“My wife and I went into the Labor & Delivery unit at Lowell General Hospital for what had become our routine non-stress test and ultrasound, expecting the usual. Then we got news that my wife’s blood pressure was at a concerning enough level that it was actually time to induce and that we were going to have our baby a couple weeks early. We were scared, nervous and excited. I don’t think that the experience would have been nearly as positive as it was if it wasn’t for one nurse in particular. Nicole showed up on the morning of day three and her calmness and dedication to being there for us really helped us stay calm and get through some scary and challenging times.

We were so thankful for the time we had Nicole and when her shift ended and we were sad to see her go. The story could have ended right there, and we would have always remembered her for her help and encouragement, but it didn’t. When I woke up early the next morning, who do I see helping with my wife’s monitors but Nicole. I said excitedly, “what are you doing here?”  And she said, “you know I was just really committed to you guys.”  While I know she was probably just joking and it was just time for her next shift, we did really feel her commitment and we were both really happy to see her back. That day things happened slowly at first but then everything started happening really fast and a lot of our success in getting things going I attribute to her being there and helping every step of the way.

When the time finally came to start pushing, Nicole was a great coach and gave my wife the confidence and instruction needed, and we had that baby in what felt like no time at all. The cherry on top was that we knew her shift was scheduled to end at 7 and I was worried she would have to leave, but she stayed on with us until the baby was born to see it through and then stopped by later to congratulate us and hold the baby.

The whole Labor & Delivery department was great. We loved all the nurses and doctors who helped us during our four-day stay, but I will always remember Nicole for staying calm through it all and helping us bring our beautiful baby into this world.”
 

July 2025 DAISY Award Winner
Cheryl Gainey, RN
Emergency Department

“Cheryl was my ER nurse when I was having an extremely painful miscarriage. I was in excruciating pain and suffering a lot. Cheryl made sure that I was well taken care of and received the pain management medication and attention from the physician I needed. Her empathy made me feel so much better when the worst thing that has ever happened to me happened. Cheryl acknowledged my husband’s efforts to help me and the staff, which meant so much, as he is a deeply kind person who was actively helpful and only concerned about my well-being while suffering the loss of our first baby. Throughout my stay Cheryl was kind, funny and went above and beyond for me. I’m having a better day today because of her.”
 

June 2025 DAISY Award Winner
Heather Day, RN
M3

“On behalf of our family, it is with deep gratitude and admiration that we nominate Heather Day for the DAISY Award in recognition of her exceptional care and dedication as a hospice nurse.

Over the course of our father’s hospice care, Heather not only provided exceptional care and attention but also displayed remarkable compassion, dedication, and empathy that immensely impacted our family. From the moment Heather stepped into our lives, her presence brought comfort and reassurance during a very emotional and sad time. Her commitment to our father’s dignity, comfort and well-being was evident in every interaction with him and with us.

I loved hearing Heather call him “buddy” when she spoke to him—it was yet just another small sign of the care she provides to her patients. Knowing he was in such good hands allowed family members some much-needed rest, and we could rest peacefully. Whether it was managing his symptoms with expertise or offering a listening ear to our concerns, Heather treated my father not just as a patient, but as a cherished individual deserving of love and respect.

Heather’s compassion extended beyond my father—she supported our family with encouragement and genuine kindness. She was diligent to ensure the doctor’s orders were followed and that our father’s needs were always first. In today’s world where healthcare professionals are often stretched thin, Heather went above and beyond to ensure that our father received the best care possible. Her expertise, coupled with an unrelenting commitment to the emotional and physical needs of her patients and families, exemplifies what true caregiving is all about.

For these reasons and so many more, we wholeheartedly recommend Heather for the DAISY Award. Her dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional hospice care make her truly deserving of this recognition.”

May 2025 DAISY Award Winner

Abigail Wong, RN
Oncology Care Unit

“Abby is one of the most compassionate and empathetic nurses I have met, and this story here is the perfect example as to why she deserves to be recognized. This week on OCU we had a patient who was diagnosed with a new cancer that had already spread throughout his body. He and his long-term girlfriend were in disbelief with the news that was about to turn their lives around. As Abigail normally does, she took it upon herself to bring some light to this darkness. The long-term couple wanted to get married, and Abby made it all happen. She contacted the chaplain, arranged the chapel, bought a cake and decorations. She showed up on her day off and threw the wedding. They will forever be grateful.”

“There was a patient who was admitted to our floor who got an intense cancer diagnosis within days of admission. This patient expressed their concern regarding their insurance and how their spouse would be affected if they were to pass away, as they weren’t legally married. When Abby heard this, she immediately started to plan a wedding for this patient and their partner. She became their wedding planner and set a date, a time, notified the chaplain, invited the rest of our floor staff, and even went to multiple stores to get decorations for their wedding day to make them feel special. Abby came in on her day off to celebrate the newlyweds and made sure the day was as perfect as possible.”

April 2025 DAISY Award Winner

Paul Hoey, RN
D3

“In January, our dad had hip replacement surgery. Our dad had not been a patient in a hospital in more than 30 years after having a total hip fusion that left him 100% disabled at age 30 with two young kids at home. My dad was a nervous wreck coming in for surgery.

A team member that stood out tremendously was Paul Hoey from D3 who floated to M3 on dad’s discharge day. When Paul came in to introduce himself to my dad, they both had a good laugh right off the bat! I knew dad was in great hands and I could relax.

On discharge morning, Paul checked on my dad, made sure he was comfortable, and his pain was under control, reminded dad that he was not bothering the staff when he rang the call light, reminded dad to use his walker for safety and call if he needed anything, and made sure he understood his important exercises and discharge instructions. Paul also assured him that I would be back soon, and he would be able to go home later that day. Honestly, even though Paul floated to M3 from D3, my dad could not tell Paul was not on his home base unit. Dad said Paul was great and he felt comfortable talking with him, and Paul took great care of him.

I work at the hospital and today Paul stopped me and asked, “how’s your dad doing?” This made me smile ear to ear. It means so much that Paul asked! I did let Paul know dad is doing great thanks to the exceptional care Paul provided him. Paul took the time to listen to our concerns and answered all our questions. Thank you, Paul, for treating my dad with compassion and empathy, and like he was your own family member.

It is nurses like Paul that help patients have a more pleasant time while they are here with us in the hospital, and it matters so much. Paul’s kindness will remain in our heart and memories for a lifetime! Thank you for everything. You made a huge impact and difference not only for our dad, but our entire family. Dad is doing great, doing all his exercises, and following all the directions. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Paul! You are truly an earth angel!”
 

March 2025 DAISY Award Winner

Donald Bellemare, RN
MS2

“I am a very difficult person when I am under a lot of stress. Nurse Don went above and beyond to make sure I felt seen and heard and understood. Having a new diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes has been a lifestyle change and is overwhelming. Don made sure I had everything I needed in order to take care of myself once released from the hospital. Random acts of kindness can be the difference between life and death. I am truly grateful for crossing paths with nurse Don. He truly has a gift in caring for people.”

“I am nominating Don for the exceptional job that he provides to his patients. Don goes above and beyond to deliver the best of care. During Veterans Month, Don had a patient who was a retired veteran and could not afford his medications prior to going home. Without hesitation, Don paid for the entire cost at our pharmacy to prevent a readmission. Don truly embodies Lowell General’s mission, vision and values. No one deserves this award more than Don.”

“We had a patient stop and say he would like to share a few things about his nurse. Don had taken the time that day to give the patient resources that would help him post-discharge, such as outside resources, an example of a diabetic diet to follow, and even helped arrange transportation.

Behind the scenes, what this patient did not know was that he did not have coverage for his new medications. Don knew that was not an option, and in his true caring nature went down to the pharmacy and paid for this patient’s medication with his own money. Don said, ‘it’s the least I can do for what he’s done for our country.’ Now this patient did not know that Don had paid for his medication, and Don was not looking for a pat on the back. He was just doing the right thing in his mind, and that is taking care of our veterans.

Don has always been a great nurse. He takes care of his patients with pride and respect, but this particular situation exemplifies what it means to be a caring and compassionate person. I feel lucky to work side-by-side with Don.”
 

February 2025 DAISY Award Winner

Chelsea Lynch, RN
ICU

“During the final days of life for my best friend and family member, an ICU nurse named Chelsea Lynch showed the ultimate in caring for a patient. Not only as an exceptional nurse, but true caring for someone and what they were going through.

Chelsea showed compassion for the family as we were all walking into devastation. She would hug all of us and ask how we were doing. After my friend was moved to Oncology ICU, Chelsea would come on her lunch break to check in and see how all of us were doing.

I wish I could find more elaborate words for Chelsea’s exceptional nursing skills, compassion, and above and beyond kindness to all of us. She was a ray of sunshine during our darkest days.”

January 2025 DAISY Award Winner

Amanda Girard, RN
Dahod 4

“My cousin, age 84, came in with multiple health issues. Amanda never once lost her cool when my cousin was frustrated. I also need to point out how confident she was in how she worked and cared for him.

Amanda displays such warmth and friendliness toward her patients and those visiting. She is always polite and you can see she is working hard. She is kind and welcoming, even toward end of shift.

Amanda stays professional and mild-mannered, even when the news is not so good. At one point there was extreme concern over my cousin’s heart function. Amanda explained things to my cousin in a way he could understand. Even when my cousin was forgetful, she remained patient, upbeat and cheery!

I am so grateful because I truly believe that the way she presented herself around my cousin is the reason he is feeling better, understands the need for rehab better, and has a whole new outlook, realizing rehab is not the end. He now can feel comfortable about his living situation – that aging just means you will live life a little differently, but life is not over.

Thank you, Amanda, for making my cousin’s stay so comfortable. Thank you for being so kind! Thank you for making my cousin feel like a somebody.”
 

December 2024 DAISY Award Winner

Erik Guilmette, RN
Emergency Department

“Upon meeting Erik, he exhibited so much kindness. His care was non-judgmental and he cracked a few jokes and was overall such a blessing. It’s hard enough to have a family member in the hospital, and it’s the little gestures that remind you it’s okay and Erik did just that. He gave, in a delightful way, warm blankets to both me and my sister. He didn’t have to take care of me, but he made me feel so cared for. I want to thank Erik for his wonderful care! We felt like his family member! God bless you tremendously, Erik. Lowell General Hospital is lucky to journey with you.”

November 2024 DAISY Award Winner

Michelle Charland, RN
Labor and Delivery

“I would like to thank all of the staff on D5 Labor and Delivery for their excellent work ethic. All of the nurses that tended to my wife went above and beyond. Most of all, Michelle Charland became a big part of my newfound little family.

My day began like many others. I was working when I received a phone call that my wife was to be hospitalized for high blood pressure. To hear this was worrisome. Upon coming to Lowell General Hospital, I received word of my wife’s kidneys possibly failing. From here on out, the nurses proceeded to demonstrate the utmost importance of my wife’s health and comfort. Day by day, night by night, the nurses came in and cared for her. My wife’s health did improve and she was nearly ready to give birth.

Michelle began to tend to my wife. This was my wife’s first pregnancy and she had some needs. Michelle was a super nurse, added on to her shift, and went above and beyond. She bonded with me and my wife, and also our family. She did not cease to amaze with the effort of understanding and support. She even learned a little of our language (Spanish). She understood my wife on an emotional level, which made this experience one in a million (next to having my baby). So, for all you have done, Michelle, I would like to say thank you and welcome to the family.”

October 2024 DAISY Award Winner

Kimberly Kelleher, RN
PACU

“My journey started when I was scheduled for an angioplasty on my left leg with Dr. Hoffman. I was in the recovery room and my nurse was Kim Kelleher.

If it wasn’t for Kim, I might be dead. I was scheduled to be released, but something happened that saved my life. I began to have the shakes and I was bouncing off the bed. That was how bad I was shaking. Kim noticed that I had a wound on my left toe. She examined it and said that it was very bad. Kim insisted that I be admitted, and that night I had a heart attack.

I had a procedure on my heart at Lowell General, was transferred to a high-risk unit, and had two stents put in my heart. The rest of the story gets better. After I went home, I developed a fever and became septic, and I had to have my toe removed. If it wasn’t for the care and due diligence of Kim Kelleher, who by the way was 8.5 months pregnant and watching over me until after 1:00 am that night, I may have not made it. I am ok now and doing better every day. Please say a big thank you to Kim from me and my family.”

September 2024 DAISY Award Winner

Rick Christiana, RN
Progressive Care Unit

“My sister was admitted to the Progressive Care Unit with serious leg complications and severe open wounds which could have led to possible amputation. Rick was so attentive, kind and caring to my sister’s immediate needs. He was such a strong liaison for our family and the team of doctors that was so necessary during this critical period of time.

Rick’s knowledge, professionalism and understanding of all that was going on was “off the charts” and five gold stars! I might add, not to mention he was receiving other calls from other medical staff in regard to other patients in need of care.

In closing, Lowell General Hospital is so fortunate to have RN Rick Christiana on their team.”

August 2024 DAISY Award Winner

Kayleigh Cerullo, RN
Special Care Nursery

“Kayleigh went above and beyond in taking care of our daughter during her stay in the Special Care Nursery. She explained our daughter’s needs to us in thorough detail and answered all of our questions.

She left notes on our daughter which we could view on the AngelEye app since she knew we were worried. Kayleigh helped hold a parent room for us when she knew we were coming and prepared the room with a pump, clean pillows, and bottles.

Kayleigh is proactive in her work and especially caring to families. We looked forward to days we knew she was working. Thank you, Kayleigh, for making a challenging time in our life slightly easier with your kindness!”

July 2024 DAISY Award Winner

Anne Slattery, RN
Nursing Supervision

“Over the last years, my brother has struggled with homelessness and mental health issues. He has had multiple admissions to Lowell General Hospital, Saints campus and more recently as his medical conditions have gotten worse he has also been admitted to the main campus. Over the last two years he has been a frequent patient at the hospital, and Anne has always been there for him. She has been there to start his difficult IV, convince him to not sign out against medical advice, get him a hot cup of Dunkin’ coffee, or to just be a smiling face. Recently, my brother lost his battle. I wanted to take a minute to say thank you to Anne for her compassion and keeping an eye on him.”

June 2024 DAISY Award Winner

Hossan Gabriel Draculan, RN
ICU

“We were honored to have San as our mother’s ICU nurse on the evening of her passing. As the Charge Nurse, San and his crew compassionately cared for and honored our mother’s wishes in her final hours. When our mom took a turn, we were called in after visiting hours to spend time with her before she passed. San was welcoming, kind and respectful to each of us as we mourned the inevitable. He offered to lead us in prayer, a moment we will never forget. When our mom passed, we spent a bit more time with her. San offered us a cold drink and presented us with a keepsake. He made every moment of this experience a pleasant and memorable one.”

May 2024 DAISY Award Winner

Barbara Loan, RN
Dahod 3

“Thank you for taking such good care of me after my surgery. You went above and beyond with care provided. As a student nurse myself, two months away from holding a licensure, you were a great model of how I would want to be to my patients.

Thanks for taking me on my first walk after the surgery and being on top of pain medications. I feel a lot better because of the care you provided. I am proud to be a part of Lowell General Hospital and proud of your skills. You are a true asset to Lowell General. Thank you!”

April 2024 DAISY Award Winner

Melissa Cullingford, NP
Cancer Care Associates

“Melissa Cullingford has been an incredible support as my aunt has been going through the hardest fight of her life – cancer.

The level of compassion, commitment, understanding, honesty and care that Melissa displays has shown her dedication to patients. My aunt’s treatment has been complicated and filled with challenges. Melissa is always there. She listens, discusses everything - even the hard stuff where things could have gone better - and then she works to make them better.

Melissa takes her time, reviews everything, stays on top of changes, and is always there for an appointment, call or email when needed. She stops at nothing to help and does the right thing, and I am grateful that she chose this profession and this specialty.”

March 2024 DAISY Award Winner

Rebecca Roy, RN
Labor and Delivery

“I am writing to nominate my nurse, Becki, for a DAISY Award based on her exceptional care. Becki not only listened to my birth plan wishes, but also stood by my decisions when circumstances shifted.
When things became frightening and it seemed I might have to deliver in Boston, Becki remained a calming presence, ensuring I felt safe and supported. Ultimately, a cesarean section at Lowell General Hospital was decided upon, and Becki remained by my side, holding my hand in the operating room.
As a fellow nurse, I can attest that Becki’s care has deeply impacted me and I am confident it will make me a better nurse. I am grateful for everything Becki did for me and I believe she is deserving of a DAISY Award.”

February 2024 DAISY Award Winner

Amanda Cresta, RN
Oncology Care Unit

"Beginning this past summer, one of my best friends was a patient at Lowell General Hospital. She was discharged to rehab a few times, but always returned to the hospital where the majority of her time was spent in the Oncology Care Unit. She received exceptional care during her stay.

When she took a turn for the worse, Amanda Cresta was her nurse. My friend was in the worst state I had seen her. Amanda was patient, took time to listen, and immediately reached out to the physician to see if she could get something to make her more comfortable. Amanda always kept us updated on the changes and the status of the providers coming in to see my friend. Amanda always asked if we needed anything or if she could help us in any way.

My friend did make a turnaround after this event and went on to be here for another six weeks. She always shared her love of the Lowell General staff with her family and me. They ensured that she had a cake for her birthday, sang Happy Birthday, and gave her a gift that included items she could use while in the hospital.

I cannot say enough about the care my lifelong friend received at Lowell General Hospital during an extended period of time. She spoke of her experience with the Lowell General staff, which was amazing. She felt she was in competent hands, especially in the Oncology Care Unit. The staff was knowledgeable, attentive, extremely kind, compassionate, and always eager to meet her comfort needs. She always referred to the staff as 'her' nurse and techs. They had become family.

My friend always shared about the little things staff would do for her, such as washing her hair, braiding her hair to keep it out of her face, applying lotions, and the birthday cake and gifts she received. These touching encounters made a world of difference to her. While all the unit staff members were terrific, I need to call out an exceptional nurse, Amanda Cresta.

Amanda was the nurse for my friend on the day she needed to be made care and comfort. Amanda ensured she was in the room with the family and me during every interaction with the providers on the care team. Amanda was attentive to all of our needs and sat with us from time to time to listen and offer words of comfort.

When the family decided to bring my friend's young daughter in to see her mom, Amanda returned to the nurses' station and discussed ideas with the team on how to make my friend look her best for her daughter. I walked up and overheard this conversation myself, and it was a moment that touched me deeply. The team made her look so much better tucked under a blanket the staff had purchased, smelling so welcoming with the lotions they had applied.

My friend made it through the night, and Amanda was her nurse the next day. First thing in the morning, she checked in on the family and me. After I had left at lunchtime, Amanda took my friend's daughter and niece down to the cafe to get a bit to eat. This simple action meant so much to the family.

Later, my friend passed and Amanda made sure that the family had rhythm strips of her heart and made a handprint mold of her hand. As she left the hospital, my friend's daughter stopped Amanda and hugged her. Amanda stated she would be there if she needed anything, and let her know how to reach her. The family could not say enough wonderful things about Amanda. The girls saw a poster about the DAISY Award and wanted Amanda to be nominated.

As a fellow Lowell General employee, I cannot express enough my sincere gratitude for all that Amanda did for the family and me. Knowing how busy and hard the nurses work each day, she gave us those special touchpoints when she could have taken her break or caught up on her documentation.

Those simple actions will stay with my friend's daughter as special moments during the most challenging time. Thank you, but those words are not enough for the gift you gave to me and the family."

January 2024 DAISY Award Winner

Brianna Houston, RN
Mother-Infant Unit

“Many call it the ‘nurse curse,’ and if that is what I had because I’m a fellow nurse I am thankful that I had all of the amazing nurses at Lowell General Hospital by my side. It was a traumatic, emergent situation of giving birth on a Monday night. On Tuesday morning we were introduced to our nurse Bri. She was energetic and positive, which is exactly what we needed at this time.
Unfortunately, I did start going through another nurse curse. Bri used her best nursing skills, and although it was probably the most pain I’ve ever felt, Bri was able to assist in my care until it was decided that I needed to go to the OR. Without going into all of the details, we were lucky that each day after we had Bri assisting in my care. She was able to ever so slightly push me to get me to where I needed to be in recovery. Each day she asked me a humorous question just to lighten the mood a little bit in this traumatic experience.

Being a nurse admitted in the hospital and not being able to hold my newborn, while trying to personally recover emotionally and physically – I was fortunate to have nurses like Bri by my side. Bri was compassionate and understood that although a nurse myself, I still was unfamiliar with the specialty that she was so well-versed in.

Each day my husband and I looked forward to our next steps with Bri. As I’m sitting here in the Special Care Nursery spending time with our newborn baby and filling out this DAISY nomination form, I like knowing that Bri is on the unit giving this same level of care to the next mother that just delivered and needs her empathy and knowledge. We were so fortunate to be here at Lowell General Hospital and we want to thank you for the amazing care that we had from all of the nurses, aides, and doctors.”

December 2023 DAISY Award Winner

Erin Laferriere, RN
Department: ICU-G

"A message came through on my phone saying my friend had a severe asthma attack and went into cardiac arrest. I went straight to Lowell General, and everything from that point on got very real. The heartache we were about to face is indescribable.

We have a large, close-knit group of friends of 35 years who all started to arrive at the hospital. When I entered my friend's room, I was first introduced to Erin, the RN, and Lisa, the NP. From the moment we met them, it felt like they became our pillars of strength. A critical piece that none of us realized we so desperately needed as we held each other up, crying and still in disbelief.
Erin was orienting a student and introduced herself to all of us. Her eye contact made us feel valued, her compassion made us feel secure, and her professionalism made us feel confident she was going to do everything in her power to help save our dear friend.

Erin provided 1:1 care for the next 12 hours, in addition to being charge nurse for the whole unit. Even with all her competing demands, Erin was so attentive to my friend's needs in her critical state. She consistently explained everything she was doing, how long it would take, and made sure to let us know the minute we could return to my friend's bedside.

Erin showed incredible patience with the large number of us as we asked questions and looked for answers she knew she couldn't give us. As a nurse myself, this was the piece that I will never forget. It was the first time I had a front-row seat to critical care nursing – now on the opposite side as a distraught friend of a critically ill patient. Erin answered every question we had with patience, professionalism, and even a semblance of hope, which we all needed in our shocked state.

Erin has remarkable emotional intelligence. She was constantly feeding off our cues. She could read the room and recognized how she could share factual updates with some of us, especially those in healthcare, while considering the emotions of my friend's parents and their inability to accept the inevitable. I could tell Erin had done this countless times as a critical care nurse, and her experience in these situations made her more sensitive to us as concerned family and friends. She never once made us feel as if a question or a concern was not necessary. She never rushed us or made us feel like our questions were irrelevant. She was consistently present, all day long. The whole team was so present and the communication was excellent.

We all knew with 100% confidence that everything that could be done for our friend was being done. What was most reassuring was that I knew early on Lowell General had all their bases covered. To say I was impressed is an understatement. The whole team was beyond accommodating, even in the first 24 hours of my friend's critical state and need for constant care.

The setup of the ICU was unique, with the waiting rooms for families right outside the patient rooms. I had never seen this before, and it felt so much more inviting and made us feel that our needs were valued. This was essential in our time of need and something we will never forget.

Erin balanced all her competing demands professionally. The attention she gave to all of us was beyond impressive, seeing as my friend's needs were the priority. This is something not all nurses master; catering to the emotional needs of patients and family members while delivering high-quality care at a demanding pace.

I will never forget Erin's gift or that of the entire care team. Erin was our pillar of strength and my friend's most important angel in her time of despair. Erin exemplified critical care nursing at its finest. A true gift that she may not even know she has mastered. A more than fitting reason to nominate Erin for the DAISY Award that she is so incredibly deserving of.

In the words of poet Maya Angelou, 'They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel." However, we will never forget your name, Erin.'

November 2023 DAISY Award Winner

Daniel Morrell, RN
R3

“All of the nurses, aides, maintenance workers, dietary team members and lab personnel on the third floor were wonderful, but my DAISY Award goes to Danny.

I have worked in administration in a hospital, and I have also been a director of a home healthcare agency. Danny is the nurse I always looked to hire. He was meticulous, efficient, knowledgeable, kind, communicative, and most importantly I felt safe when he was my nurse. l knew that Danny knew his ‘stuff’ and went the extra mile to ensure my recovery.

The burdens placed on nurses today are extraordinary, and Danny’s care after my cardiac catheterization went beyond most limits. Through the process he ensured my dignity and privacy were intact, and that my recovery was successful. He is a gem!

I must add that I am not the best patient. Having worked in healthcare my whole life I became a bit jaded. Danny patiently and attentively listened to my concerns, answered what he could, and made sure those answers he did not have were delivered to the appropriate people. Then he got back to me.
The most important thing I need as a patient is clear communication, caring and competence. Danny hit the mark! Plus, his Disney shirts brought a smile to my face each day.”

October 2023 Daisy Award Winner

Danielle Johns, RN
Roles & Responsibilities: Registered Nurse
Department: Medical 3

“Danielle was an angel. My uncle was admitted to Lowell General Hospital after a visit in the emergency room. It was shortly thereafter that we were told that he would qualify for hospice care. It was difficult to hear, but after a long battle with Corticobasal Degeneration we understood that this made sense. Because this is such a rare disease, the medical staff did the best they could to make my uncle comfortable. This was not a typical case for hospice and they were not certain of the many steps of his decline to come.

Danielle was a godsend for my uncle as well as my whole family. There were so many times she would come in to check on my uncle and make sure he was bathed and comfortable, and she showed him compassion. My uncle was no longer verbal, but that didn’t matter. Danielle would always address him directly and treated him with dignity. Beyond her compassion for my uncle, she could tell that my aunt and mother were so concerned about their brother. She would make sure to ask them how they were doing. She would spend time with them, talking about what to expect and what the different changes in his condition were. Danielle showed true compassion.

She could have easily come in to administer meds and then leave, but she always took the time to check on all of us. Her kindness and compassion were felt by all of us. My uncle passed away after four long weeks. The staff at Lowell General Hospital were all skilled and competent, but Danielle shined! Her occupation is being a caregiver and her kind personality and genuine care for her patients makes her extra special. I want her to know that what she did for my uncle and my whole family makes her a true hero. Thank you, Danielle! Always remember that what you do really matters!”

September 2023 Daisy Award Winner

Melissa Pearson, RN
Roles & Responsibilities: Registered Nurse
Department: Dahod 3 - (D3)

“Our Mom was admitted to Lowell General Hospital from the cancer unit. She was there for cancer surgery, but they determined the cancer had grown too big for surgery so they admitted her for evaluation and to determine possible solutions. Mom’s age was 96 at that time and she was experiencing a tremendous amount of pain. Melissa met our Mom and they immediately bonded.

Melissa spent a good deal of time talking to our Mom who was very depressed due to all she was going through. With this type of cancer, Mom could not eat any solid food. Melissa went out of her way to go to the cafeteria and had them make her a frappe with nutrients that Mom loved.

After a week in the hospital, Mom was moved to a rehab center. She forgot her shawl at the hospital and Melissa found it and brought it to her at the rehab center. Mom celebrated her 97th birthday and the next day she got a birthday card from Melissa! Then Mom fell down the stairs at home and she was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Lowell General. Melissa found out and went to the ER and helped her. Mom was so excited to see Melissa! Melissa is absolutely incredible!

During Mom’s entire stay at Lowell General, even when Melissa was off shift, she had other nurses visit Mom and spend time chatting. Mom thought that was the coolest thing! Bottom line, Melissa is the best! We would like Melissa to receive recognition for going above and beyond!”

August 2023 Daisy Award Winner

Anthony Marinello, RN
Roles & Responsibilities: Registered Nurse
Department: Critical Care Services - Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Main Campus

“Anthony took care of my sister, Sarah, for three days during her stay in the ICU. Sarah has been medically complex for over 30 years and has been in the hospital dozens of times and received care from hundreds of nurses. Without a doubt, Anthony is one of the very best nurses to care for Sarah and care for us as her family.

Anthony’s technical skills are clearly exceptional. He was knowledgeable about what was happening with Sarah, her vitals and status. At any moment he was able to give us information about Sarah’s condition, which gave us a sense of comfort. He delivered care confidently and efficiently, and he was also gentle and compassionate.

Sarah is nonverbal and often times clinical staff think that means they don’t need to talk to her. Anthony took the time to explain to Sarah what was going to happen and when. He spoke to her in a gentle, caring tone. You could see her relax as he spoke.

Anthony did the same for us as her family. He let us know what he was going to do and why. He answered every question we had to the fullest extent possible, asked what else we wanted to know, and asked us if he could do anything to make us more comfortable. It was through these actions that he displayed exceptional empathy for what our family was experiencing. As if he knew what we needed before we did, he expertly guided us by providing timely information and thoughtful care.

One of the days that Anthony was caring for Sarah, he was also teaching a college nursing student. It was clear from how he interacted with the student that his compassion and empathy extends beyond patients to include students. He was so thoughtful in his approach. He described in incredible detail what he was doing and why. He was happy to answer questions and repeat information.

Beyond the technical skills, Anthony was teaching this young student what compassion and empathy look like as a nurse. He explained why delivering medications through an IV with a particular method may take a few minutes longer, but is more comfortable for the patient. He talked about how he organizes the room and his time in the room so as to disturb the patient as little as possible while they are sleeping.

He encouraged the student to try suctioning Sarah’s mouth and gave her gentle and informative coaching as the student did it for the first time. He not only gave guidance about how to do the actual suction, but how to talk to Sarah about what was happening.

It is clear that ICU nurses are very busy. Many nurses might feel burdened by having a student with them. Anthony was thrilled to have a student and taught her without compromising the care his patients received. I cannot think of a more selfless act than to take time to model to the next generation of nurses how to be compassionate and empathetic.

I could go on, but will end by saying that if I could choose just one nurse to care for Sarah for the rest of her life it would undoubtedly be Anthony. Thank you, Anthony, for all that you did for Sarah and all that you do for your patients. They are so lucky to be in your care!”

July 2023 Daisy Award Winner

Heather Day, RN
Roles & Responsibilities: Registered Nurse
Department: Medical 3

“Heather is a very hard-working, caring and compassionate nurse. She recently had an elderly care and comfort patient. Heather was so attentive to her all night, as she is to all of her patients. Heather turned her every two hours, and provided mouth care and back rubs. The family left their mom for the night in Heather’s capable hands. Heather was on top of her patient’s comfort all night.

At 4 am the patient took a quick turn for the worse. Heather stayed with the patient as she knew the patient would pass before the family could arrive. Heather sat with this patient, holding her hand, stroking her hand, talking to her and reassuring her until she passed. Heather was right on the mark regarding the quick change in condition. How great she was with the patient.

Heather called the family and was so compassionate. Heather is super to her patients. She listens, has great assessment skills and she truly cares about each patient. She looks at the whole picture so she can provide the best nursing care she possibly can. She provides exceptional care to every patient, every time. She exemplifies exactly what the DAISY Award is about.”

June 2023 Daisy Award Winner

Maria Forte, RN
Roles & Responsibilities: Registered Nurse
Department: Maternity and Pediatrics - Labor and Delivery and Mother/Infant Unit

"I gave birth to my son after a long week of prodromal labor. I was beyond exhausted and because it was my first baby, I was scared. While every nurse I interacted with at Lowell General Hospital was lovely, Maria was the nurse who was with me during most of my labor and my delivery. Maria’s shift started right as I was getting my epidural and our first interaction was her holding me during the epidural to keep me from shaking too much. I immediately felt safe with Maria. She made incredible efforts to make me and my husband comfortable. She made sure to change my position regularly and when she moved me it was with incredible care. It is inspiring to watch someone do exactly what they are called to do in life. I truly believe Maria was born to be a Labor and Delivery nurse. I felt like I had someone from my own family watching over me because she was so caring.

At one point, I had a prolonged contraction that caused my baby to stop getting oxygen. Maria woke me up and started to shift me. While I was terrified about the safety of my baby, I completely trusted Maria and the rest of the nursing team to keep me and my baby safe. I knew that they would do everything to help me and my baby. Maria took the time to explain to my husband what was happening so he wouldn’t be afraid. After everything was okay, she explained every detail of what happened and made sure I was emotionally okay.

When it came time to deliver my son, I was so thankful Maria was still on shift to help me bring him into the world. She told me she was excited to put a new blue bead in her jar which she uses to track the babies she helps to be born. Maria is an incredible person and I feel extremely lucky to have had her as my nurse in my first experience in labor and birth. I think of her often when my son smiles.”

May 2023 Daisy Award Winner

Stefanie Karpinski, RN
Roles & Responsibilities: Registered Nurse
Department: Operating Room

“I am writing this nomination to recognize OR nurse Stefanie Karpinski. I recently had to visit our OR for an emergency surgery. Needless to say, I was scared and feeling vulnerable. Stefanie met me in the pre-op area and then transitioned me to the OR. As an employee, it cannot be easy caring for another employee, but as a patient, there is no greater feeling of comfort and support than knowing you are being taken care of by an outstanding, compassionate nurse.

In the OR, Stefanie looked me in the eye and said, “we are going to take great care of you.” Stefanie spoke to me respectfully and in such a caring manner. She ensured I had a warm blanket underneath me and that I was wrapped in warm blankets to ensure my optimal comfort. She explained everything that was going to happen to me.

Right before the induction of anesthesia, Stefanie held my arm and looked me in the eye again, letting me know that they were going to take great care of me. She used guided imagery and suggested I think of my most favorite, relaxing place as she held and gently stroked my arm. I believe in a positive mindset, and Stefanie brought the art and science of nursing to help comfort me in what was a scary situation.

I will never forget how truly cared for I felt by Stefanie during this time, and know that her calling is exactly where she is in nursing. I am so thankful for nurses like Stefanie!”

April 2023 Daisy Award Winner

Dawn Christiana, RN
Roles & Responsibilities: Registered Nurse
Department: Pediatrics and Special Care Nursery

“Dawn took care of my daughter five years ago and as soon as she saw me she remembered me. Her attention to detail, kindness, quickness and contagious laughter made my unexpected and anxious stay much smoother.

Dawn would contact the doctor right away with any needs and requests that I had. If anything was uncomfortable, Dawn would make sure to provide comfort immediately. Dawn is someone who loves her job and it shows by the love and care she gave me daily, for three whole days.

When my husband walked in, he recognized Dawn and it was like a small reunion. Back in 2018, Dawn was the nurse for my infant and was able to get my daughter’s IV in effortlessly. Fast forward to five years later and Dawn still shows the same love, compassion, sympathy, empathy, and kindness. I could go on and on about how amazing she is as a person and employee, and how she made me feel safe and in great hands.

Dawn is an exemplary employee who deserves all the daisies in the world!”

March 2023 Daisy Award Winner

Donna Sabine, RN
Roles & Responsibilities: Registered Nurse
Department: Critical Care Services - Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Main Campus

“My son has been intubated for a week now. We had the privilege of having Donna as his nurse over the weekend.

Donna’s kindness and attention to detail was awesome! She went to her locker several times to get items that would make my son more comfortable. She washed his hair and shaved him to make him feel better about himself. She even went and got him a stuffed animal so he would have something to hold onto.

My son is very medically complicated and it takes a special person to show empathy and compassion towards someone like him. They don’t make them like Donna anymore! She was wonderful!”

February 2023 Daisy Award Winner

Alexandra Matsis, RN
Roles & Responsibilities: Registered Nurse
Department: Dahod 3 - (D3)

“In mid-December I learned that I had brain and lung cancer. This news came as a shock and the last two plus weeks have been quite an ordeal. Near the end of December, I had a Lexsell Stereotactic brain biopsy. I was fortunate to have Alex there to care for me post-surgery. She was everything one would hope for in a nurse. She knew her stuff, she was kind and caring in everything she did, and she went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and cared for.

Alex not only treated me with the utmost respect, she treated my husband and our three sons equally so. Alex’s demeanor and her upbeat personality helped to raise my spirits and definitely made a positive difference in my recovery.

We thanked Alex for her wonderful care and she replied that ‘she was just doing her job.’ Alex certainly did do her job, but the way she did it was what makes her such an exceptional and noteworthy nurse. I am pleased to nominate Alex for the DAISY Award and consider her a worthy recipient of such a prestigious award.”

January 2023 Daisy Award Winner

Alyssa Gendreau, RN
Roles & Responsibilities: Registered Nurse
Department: Dahod 4 - (D4)

“My husband was admitted from the Emergency Department to D4 for a very serious, unexpected and scary heart condition. Alyssa was assigned to be my husband’s nurse for the next four days. I should mention that the fourth day she picked up as an extra shift. While my husband and I were trying to process this new diagnosis, the need for a cardiac catheterization, potential for immediate transport to Tufts Medical Center, and a number of new medications, Alyssa was there to help care for and support us while also answering all of our questions.

Alyssa is unbelievably knowledgeable and genuinely interested and excited about cardiology, which left us feeling confident with the information she gave us. She went over and supplied us with educational materials regarding my husband’s condition, medication and recommended lifestyle changes. Alyssa made us feel that my husband’s care was her priority and she was there any time we needed anything. Her calming presence put us at ease. Additionally, Alyssa went out of her way to help us find my husband a new primary care physician and schedule an appointment for him.

Alyssa’s compassion, knowledge, commitment and skills are remarkable. My husband and I were talking, and we both agree that Alyssa has truly found her calling as a nurse. She was meant to care for people and should be seen as a role model to others in her profession.

Lastly, I want to add that I have worked at Lowell General Hospital for over seven years in a non-clinical role and have always heard about the great care that is provided to patients, but never really fully understood until now. Throughout our stay, from the ED to being discharged from D4 after a week, my husband was so well cared for by all of the staff. It was just exemplary and we are so thankful.”

December 2022 Daisy Award Winner

Gustavo Bernardino Ferreira da Silva, RN
Roles & Responsibilities: Registered Nurse
Department: Reilly 3

“Gustavo consistently provides exceptional, compassionate care to any patient, coworker, or family member he encounters. He will volunteer to assist with any patient admission, transfer, and even volunteer to work as charge nurse on any day of the week. I believe he is one of our most empathetic nurses on Reilly 3. He consistently manages to surpass the bar of patient advocacy and care. Tonight, he ran over from the other side of our unit that he was working on because he was concerned about someone’s tele monitor. He hurried over to our side to make sure the patient was okay. Gustavo is unbelievable at what he does for our unit and brings us together as nurses. He is always willing to help his coworkers with any sort of patient-centered care. One shift, I was so overwhelmed with my patient assignment; anything that could possibly happen was happening all at once. I am a new graduate nurse and I was visibly overwhelmed. Gustavo pulled me aside, reassured me, and worked alongside me to ensure that me and my patients were comfortable and okay. He is constantly thinking of his coworkers. In addition, he is thoughtful and brings in goodies for our team members to make our shifts better and will strive to ensure all our patients’ necessities are met. I believe if anyone deserves this DAISY Award, it’s Gustavo.”

November 2022 Daisy Award Winner

Michael Cribben, RN
Roles & Responsibilities: Registered Nurse
Department: Behavioral Health - Sullivan 1

“I am constantly receiving recognition for the excellent care Mike provides on Sullivan! Mike has consistently shined on the unit, not only clinically, but with his leadership — finding his way to a charge role rather quickly. Mike shows zero hesitation jumping right in to help his team and has even stepped forward to maintain the safety of the unit. Mike’s teamwork, honor, clinical skills and compassion are unmatched. He is often seen interacting directly with his patients, connecting with them, and truly making them feel heard throughout their stay. It is not uncommon to find Mike on the ground playing cards with his patients during his free time.

I received a phone call from a family member of a patient that had come through our unit.This family member went on to rave about the excellent care that was provided to her boyfriend from Mike. Behavioral Health is often a thankless field and this particular call stood out.

This family member mentioned that her boyfriend is extremely isolative in the community and often judged due to his physical characteristics, outbursts and volatility. Mike maintained professionalism and was able to establish a great rapport with this patient. Mike was the sole individual this patient began to trust. This patient was not engaging with staff or security due to feeling as if they already prejudged him. Mike was able to break through and make him truly feel heard and cared for. This patient was able to grow and return to the community due to Mike’s efforts and support throughout his stay. Mike is a great nurse! This is only one small example of how Mike really makes a huge impact on each patient that falls into his care.”

The TULIP Award Committee selects one honoree every other month who exemplifies the following characteristics of the TULIP Award:

• Goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best patient care
• Compassionate, empathic, kind and professional
• Promotes teamwork
• Strives to be a role model for peers
• Exemplifies our Standards of Performance, Mission and Vision

2025 TULIP Award Recipients
 

November 2025 TULIP Award
Kristin Gnabasik, MS2

“My phone lit up with a text message. Attached was a picture of a large card, covered in heartfelt Get Well and We Love You messages, with the words boldly written across the front: MS2 Loves You. Alongside it came this update: ‘I got to see him and he's doing really well and is out of the ICU. They said he’s getting his nasogastric tube out tomorrow, so I gave them a list of stuff he likes to eat and drink when he is able to.’

A little backstory - Patient "W" was with us on MS2 for seven months while we worked toward a safe discharge plan. Unfortunately, he suffered a sudden medical emergency that required transfer to Tufts Medical Center in Boston. 

Kristin knew this would be difficult for him. He has little family and, at times, can be a challenging patient, but Kristin saw past that. She recognized that, in the middle of a crisis, what he needed most was familiarity, kindness and human connection. 

Last week, after working an overnight shift at her second job, Kristin didn't go home to rest. Instead, she came to MS2 early in the morning with a large handmade card so every staff member could sign it. She then personally delivered it to Patient "W" at Tufts Medical Center, bringing him a piece of his "home" unit, a reminder that he was not forgotten and that he mattered deeply to us. 

That’s the kind of compassion that can't be taught. Kristin gave her own time, on her own terms, simply to brighten the day of someone who needed it most. In this field, it’s easy to measure tasks, vitals, and charts, but it's moments like these that truly measure the heart. And Kristin's heart is extraordinary.”

September 2025 TULIP Award
Rayza Garcia, M3

“There is no one more deserving than Rayza for a TULIP Award—for her exceptional compassion, kindness and unwavering care. She has gone above and beyond caring for my grandpa, consistently demonstrating patience and empathy in every aspect of his daily needs. Rayza diligently ordered his meals, gently assisted with his bathing and dental care, and continually checked in on him to ensure he felt loved and comfortable. What truly sets Rayza apart is her genuine concern not only for my grandpa but also for our family. She also took the time to ask how I was doing, offering support and kindness even during brief visits. I’m grateful for her compassionate service and for truly going above and beyond.”

July 2025 TULIP Award
Saeam Phann, PCT, Progressive Care Unit

“I came into the ICU and was very sick and had not showered. The next day we got through some of my hair brushing. I have unusually thick, curly hair and I was totally of the mind when I got out I’d go cut my rat’s nest of hair. Saeam was great. She dry washed my hair and then French braided it. Thanks to her simple acts of kindness, I felt better. She defined ‘caring’ with these simple tasks. Thank you, Saeam! You were very sweet and dedicated to my care.”

April 2025 TULIP Award
Lili-Anne Hall, Oncology Care Unit

“I would like to nominate Lili-Anne for her exceptional dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her patients. In the time that I have had the privilege to work alongside her, I have witnessed firsthand how she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that her patients feel cared for, comfortable, and supported during their most vulnerable moments.

She has an innate ability to connect with her patients on a personal level, providing not just physical care but emotional support as well. She always takes the time to listen to her patients’ concerns, offer a comforting word, and make them feel seen and heard.

For example, this past week we had an older woman who had alopecia and expressed that normally she would never let anyone see her without a hat on. Lili gave her one of the knitted hats we have made by volunteers, but the patient did not like the texture of the hat so Lili took it upon herself to go out to her car to give the patient one of her baseball caps. The patient was grinning ear to ear for the remainder of the day. You could tell it just made her feel so much more comfortable.

Another example that sticks in my mind is when we had an elderly woman who had to prep for a colonoscopy. She was having a really hard time drinking the drink and wanted to give up. Lili then sat with her, poured herself a drink, and encouraged the patient to go sip for sip with her until the drink was finished. The patient was able to finish the drink and have the colonoscopy, thanks to Lili!

Another weekend, we had two patients that were in the same room and really upset that they were not going to be home for the Oscar awards. Lili set up their room for an Oscar viewing party. She bought popcorn, fake champagne, cute little headbands and set them up to watch the Oscars. They were ecstatic over this and had such a great time.

I could go on and on, but I will just tell one last story. We had another elderly woman who was sad and bored from being in the hospital for some time. I walked into the room a few hours later to see the patient set up with a computer in front of her, all snuggled with warm blankets, watching a movie all about Maine because the patient had said she loves Maine and hadn’t been able to visit there in over 20 years.

These are just a few outstanding examples of how Lili is an amazing PCT and human being in general. Lili is always making her patients not only feel safe, but genuinely cared for. Her work ethic is unmatched. She consistently goes above the call of duty.

It’s rare to come across someone who possesses such a deep sense of compassion and professionalism, and I believe that Lili truly exemplifies the core values of patient care. She is a shining example of what it means to be an extraordinary patient care technician, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”
 

March 2025 TULIP Award
Leonard (Lenny) Dodge, ICU-Ground

“Lenny is a dependable, hard-working, thoughtful and compassionate tech who is an absolute asset to our ICU team, patients and their families.

We had a patient arrive in the unit that suffered a significant hemorrhage to the pons area of his brainstem, an area responsible for vital functioning: breathing, sleeping, sensation, movement, and relaying information from the spinal cord and all other areas of the brain. As you can imagine, caring for a patient with such a tragic braininjury has weighed very heavily on the emotions of our staff.

Despite the patient’s inability to communicate, Lenny has developed and fostered a very unique and heartwarming relationship with him. Lenny makes it a point to visit him first thing in the morning, wish him a good morning, ask how he is doing, and discuss the plan for the day. Lenny makes it a point to lift him out of bed in the morning and set him up in a recliner, ensures his nails are trimmed, he is clean shaven, and lines his beard up. Lenny has truly made a conscious effort each and every day to preserve the patient’s upmost dignity.

He pops in hourly to provide routine care, tells jokes, ask questions, discusses current events, ensures music is playing or TV in his native language is on, and since extubation, takes the patient into the hallway and around to the Healing Garden each day to see the sunshine and snow. Lenny is always delivering encouraging comments and reminding the patient to not lose hope.

Lenny has truly gone above and beyond the call of duty in the compassionate care he has provided to this patient each and every day for almost a month, and has been a role model for us all. Lenny certainly exemplifies what the TULIP Award is all about!”
 

2024 TULIP Award Recipients

December 2024 TULIP Award
Marissa Carfagna, ICU-Ground

“Marissa consistently goes above and beyond for her patients and other staff. A few examples of this include arranging for a barber to come in to cut a young patient’s hair who has been here for a few months, spending time making games/activities for patients, offering spa days to her patients which include beard trimming and hair washing, and so much more.

She is very detail-oriented and learns what her patients love and don’t love, and does everything she can to give them the best experience in their worst time. She is always walking the unit and checking in to see what she can do to help, which really eases the burden on the nursing staff. Lowell General Hospital is lucky to have someone like Marissa.”

October 2024 TULIP Award
Rosemary De La Cruz, Oncology Care Unit

“We had a comfort measures only patient on our floor and Rose made sure to take exceptional care of them. Rose was constantly checking in on them to make sure they were comfortable and that they knew they were not alone. She cared for the patient with the same amount of love, compassion, and dignity as if the patient was her own family member. As the patient approached their final moments, Rose made sure to stay by their bedside so they were not alone and comforted them as they passed. Rose has a heart of gold and always treats our patients with kindness and respect.”

September 2024 TULIP Award
Michelle D’Avanzo, D3

“I was admitted to D3 and had the pleasure of meeting Michelle. I was in the middle of recovery from colon blockage. I have cerebral palsy and walk with the aid of crutches. The nurse suggested a shower and I thought that would be great.

Michelle came in and I think was a little apprehensive about the possibility of me falling, but with the help of nurse Luz Hinde they got me in the shower as a team without incident. I felt better after the shower. Sometimes it is the little things that make you feel better. Michelle was last person I saw when I was discharged. She was so kind and has a great sense of humor.”

July 2024 TULIP Award
Katherine McLaughlin, Oncology Care Unit

“Katherine continuously shows our patients on OCU genuine compassion and exceptional care every shift she works. No matter how heavy with patients the floor is, Katherine always dedicates extra time to each patient to ensure they feel cared for and supported.

One of our patients who is nonverbal wanted to have swabs at the bedside with ice water. Katherine sat at the side of his bed talking to him throughout the night since he couldn’t sleep, and she assisted him in using swabs and made sure he was comfortable. The patient visibly looked calmer after this interaction, and content. This is just one example of Katherine’s every day care and attention that she dedicates to all our patients. She is amazing!”

April 2024 TULIP Award
Jamilah-Leilani Lomax, R4

“I want to acknowledge Jamilah-Leilani Lomax of R4 for her hard work and commitment to Lowell General Hospital. Jamilah-Leilani stands out because of her engagement in various activities that help our organization meet its mission. She delivers excellent patient care, and patients frequently recognize Jamilah-Leilani as an outstanding PCT.
Jamilah-Leilani gets along really well with her peers, nurses, leaders, and other members of the care team, including environmental services and the dietary staff. She is helpful, efficient, and professional in her practice. Jamilah-Leilani shows up to staff meetings whether she’s on the schedule to work or not. She makes it her point of duty to take staff meetings seriously. Jamilah-Leilani is R4’s representative on the Helping Hands Committee and commits to representing in the Helping Hands/TULIP Committee meetings.

Jamilah-Leilani recently cross-trained as a unit coordinator. When I asked PCTs if they were interested to cross-train, Jamilah-Leilani did not think twice. She responded and approached me with her calendar to make plans to start training. I was moved by Jamilah-Leilani’s energy and passion to grow and support our team, and she inspired me to get her started on her training right away. She has also been helpful to the team when she works as unit secretary when there is no unit secretary available. She does an amazing job and the nurses are grateful to know that Jamilah-Leilani bridges the gap to serve as unit coordinator for the shift.

In addition, Jamilah-Leilani has flexed her shift over and over to meet the needs of the unit. She provides great patient care, communicates well with the team, brings flexibility and positivity to the team, and is a role model to others. Jamilah-Leilani is definitely the member everyone wants on their team.”

March 2024 TULIP Award
Sabrina Duquette, Ancillary Float Pool

“We had a patient in her 90s on care and comfort. The patient’s husband was at the bedside crying and saying, ‘please don’t leave me. I love you.’” We could all feel this pulling on our heartstrings. Sabrina comforted not only the patient, but the patient’s husband and family.

Sabrina spoke with the patient’s husband using kind words, and she also cried alongside of him. Sabrina was being honestly human, making sure the patient, the patient’s husband and the family members didn’t feel alone.

Sabrina assured them she was going to be right by their side. She cried with them as this was very sad. No matter the age, it is an extreme sadness to lose the love of your life. Sabrina reminded us all how important it is to pause and be present in the moment, even when it is busy.”

January 2024 TULIP Award
Alexis Moran, Oncology Care Unit

“Alexis is very compassionate, kind and empathetic. I have watched firsthand how Alexis takes care of her patients. We had a patient on our floor who knew they had cancer. This patient was not feeling well and came to Lowell General Hospital. It was here that the patient found out that the cancer had spread to other parts of their body. The patient, understandably, had a difficult time with this new news. The patient’s adult child had recently had a baby and the patient wanted to be here for the grandchild for as long as possible. Alexis maintained a positive attitude and spoke to the patient in a soft voice. Her conversations with the patient helped the patient to relax and stay calm. She also helped raise money to help the patient with medical bills and other expenses.

Alexis is always willing to train new employees, and she shows the true values of Lowell General Hospital. When Alexis is not working, the patients always ask for her. I believe that our patients feel the compassion and empathy Alexis has, radiating from her as she cares for them. When Alexis walks into a room she always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She treats her patients the way she would want her family to be treated. In my eyes, the definition of a TULIP Award winner is Alexis.”

2023 TULIP Award Recipients
 

November 2023 TULIP Award
Candace Pacheco, Ancillary Float Pool

“Sometimes you meet extremely beautiful people in your life when you are in an hour of your darkest need and fear. This is, and was, my first introduction to Candace who was floating on ICU and was my sitter for the day.

I remember the morning because I wished it had not come due to an extremely difficult night the day before. I had officially closed the door to my heart – or so I thought. I was awakened for my vitals to be taken and Candace’s face was the first thing I saw that morning. She touched my shoulder gently and spoke quietly with loving compassion. I felt the door to my heart slightly open.

As the morning progressed, my frown turned upside down as we spoke together – me crying through much of it. Candace was a calm, beautiful face mirroring peace and health the whole time. By the time 3 pm came I was smiling and laughing with hope and optimism. I will never forget Candace – her love and her compassion for listening. I am humbled by her kindness and care.”

September 2023 TULIP Award
Monica Cancel

“Monica is passionate about her job, helpful to her co-workers and caring to her patients. She is one of the most driven co-workers I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I know if I need to ask for assistance from Monica, she will give kind, compassionate care to help a patient, a new staff member, or a patient’s family member. She is reliable, incredibly skilled and very motivated to improve our department.

Monica is hard-working and eager to work on ideas for improvement. Monica helped to organize our trauma room and the fast-track supply closet in such a way that items are easy to find, keep track of, and re-stock efficiently. Working with her in the triage area means I have another incredibly skilled and diligent pair of eyes on all of the patients, their visitors and each other.

Recently, a patient returned from a test and Monica placed the patient back on the cardiac monitor, without prompting, and was the first person in the room to assist with the rapid and successful resuscitation of the patient. This is only one example of her work. Her patient care is timely, skilled and full of care. She is a present and enjoyable member of the team, and I am honored to work with her!”

TULIP Award Nomination for Monica Cancel, Emergency Department

July 2023 TULIP Award
Denise Thibodeau

“With gratitude and appreciation, I nominate Denise Thibodeau for the TULIP Award for her constant support of families in the Special Care Nursery. She is an amazing part of our team, filling so many roles. She keeps our unit running in so many more ways than ordering supplies, keeping statistics and answering phones. It’s not an exaggeration to say that she is always one step ahead.

For example, last week at the end of her shift a sick baby was being brought down from the delivery room. Denise stayed late to set up everything for the baby, which speeds the admission and improves recovery for the patient. Families were coming in to see their babies and without saying anything, Denise helped them to the visiting rooms and facilitated bonding since the nurses couldn’t step away from the new baby. That is so important to our families who are often at work and can only visit once a day. Denise models professionalism and teamwork every day.”

TULIP Award Nomination for Denise Thibodeau, Special Care Nursery

The Autumn Honors is a public display of recognition for Lowell General Hospital’s Patient Care Division. It is a proven testimonial to the outstanding dedication of our Patient Care team, their commitment to the hospital’s Standards of Performance and the high-quality care they provide our patients each and every day.

2025 Autumn Honors Recipients

Dominic Albano, RDCS
Cardiology

"Dominic's commitment to excellence, teamwork, and patient care exemplifies everything we value. He has repeatedly gone above and beyond to provide the most outstanding care possible to our patients. When there is a patient in need, Dominic is the first to step up. One recent example speaks volumes: an emergency procedure was needed after hours, and without hesitation, Dom came in on his day off to ensure the patient received life-saving care. His reliability in critical moments is why our team and patients know they can always count on him."

Respectfully submitted by:
Reva Belmore, RN, CVRN-BC – Cardiology and Heart & Vascular Center

Nicole Beaumier
Nursing Informatics

"As a valued member of our team, Nicole consistently exemplifies excellence, integrity and dedication in every aspect of her work. Her contributions have not only elevated our team's performance but have also made a lasting impact on our organization and the communities we serve. Nicole is always willing to lend an ear to anyone who needs to talk, whether it's a coworker, a staff member or a patient. She has a strong voice of reason when working with her to resolve issues with clinical workflows, technology or billing. She also has an amazing sense of humor, which is always a delight and a welcome respite from the busy world of healthcare."

Respectfully submitted by:
The Nursing Informatics Team

Julia Cebollero, RN
ICU-1

"Over the past six months, Julia has excelled in her new role as a dedicated Rapid Response RN, bringing her critical care expertise to patients showing signs of decompensation or distress. When not responding to emergencies, she rounds proactively on inpatient units and in the ED, consulting with nurses who have concerns about their patients. Julia partners closely with primary nurses to assess patients, validate concerns, and implement timely interventions to prevent further decline. She provides education, assists with escalation when needed, and serves as a trusted clinical resource. Julia is highly respected across the organization for her calm, kind and approachable demeanor."
Respectfully submitted by:
Kristin Kinglocke, RN – ICU Clinical Nurse Leader

Sabrina Duquette, PCT
Ancillary Float Pool

"Sabrina plays an essential role in supporting our PCT program on Mental Health Day, an area the Ancillary Float Pool team is deeply passionate about. Working closely with her supervisor in the PCT SIM lab, she helps lead an interactive training that uses realistic scenarios, props and role-playing to teach effective 1:1 communication and de-escalation skills. The sessions balance seriousness with humor, creating an engaging and memorable learning experience. Sabrina's creativity and leadership help new PCTs build confidence and promote a safe, supportive environment for patients and staff alike. Her passion for caregiving and commitment to safety truly inspire those around her."
Respectfully submitted by:
Robin Marion, Supervisor – Patient Care Technician/Ancillary Float Pool

Nicole Fletcher, RN
Interventional Radiology

"Nicole has extraordinary compassion and insight. Her willingness to mentor others ensures that new staff feel welcomed, confident and prepared to succeed. I was caring for a young man who needed his feeding tube replaced. He was nervous, stressed, tachycardic and difficult to console. Nicole came to my aid and remembered caring for him in the past. She recalled from conversations with his family that he loved SpongeBob SquarePants. Without hesitation, she wheeled over a computer, pulled up a SpongeBob video, and within minutes, the patient calmed down. Nicole is a true role model."
Respectfully submitted by:
Charlene Desimone, RN – Interventional Radiology

Deborah McHugh, NP
Center for Weight Management

"Debbie remains fully present in each patient encounter. She always presents herself professionally and provides her undivided attention, making every person feel like they are her top priority. Her calm and reassuring demeanor brings comfort to both patients and staff alike. We introduced a medical management pathway to address the rising use of medical weight-loss medications in our community. Debbie was instrumental in developing this pathway and took the initiative to educate herself thoroughly, ensuring she could provide the best care and guidance to our patients."
Respectfully submitted by:
The Staff of the Center for Weight Management

Bridget Migliozzi, CCLS
Pediatric Unit

"Bridget is our hospital's first Certified Child Life Specialist, and it is hard to imagine how we ever got by without her! She brings an incredible mix of compassion, creativity and expertise – not just to the pediatric unit, but to the entire hospital. Whether she is supporting patients, comforting families, or guiding staff, Bridge makes a meaningful difference. Her dedication was especially evident during a recent Surgical Day Care case involving a young patient with a diagnosis of autism and high anxiety. Thanks to Bridget's proactive planning and collaboration with staff, a plan of care was put in place before the day of surgery. The result was a smooth experience that left both the patient and his mother deeply appreciative." 
Respectfully submitted by:
Christine Bourgeois, RN – Pediatric Unit

Heidi Parker, LICSW
Cancer Center Infusion

"Heidi consistently goes above and beyond, often giving her own time and resources to bring comfort and joy to others, while remaining humble and behind the scenes. She identified a gap in support for patients with gynecological cancers and successfully secured an external grant to provide Walmart gift cards for those facing financial hardship. Recognizing the emotional challenges following a new diagnosis, Heidi collaborated with providers and nurses to create the "After Diagnosis" handout, a valuable resource born from patient feedback to help ease anxiety and uncertainty. Each year, she also prepares a home-cooked gratitude breakfast to show her heartfelt appreciation for the entire Cancer Center team."

Respectfully submitted by:
The Staff of the Cancer Center

Traci Simpson, RN
MS2

"Traci is like a warm blanket, bringing comfort, kindness and care to patients. Her compassion extends beyond patients, however. She is fun, funny and endlessly supportive of her colleagues. She will cheer you on during RQI, knit a beanie for your kids, share her lunch, jump in to help with another patient, swap shifts, celebrate your birthday, lend you her cowboy boots, or drop food off on your porch when you are sick. She'll go to the ocean, catch a fish, buy a cooler, and bring it to a co-worker who had mentioned loving fresh fish! (Yes! This happened!). These are just a few examples of how Traci shows up for others."

Respectfully submitted by:
The Staff of Medical-Surgical 2

During Nurses Week every May, Lowell General Hospital honors those who exemplify the unwavering commitment to patient care that is a hallmark of the nursing profession with our Nursing Excellence Awards. Lowell General also presents the Florence Nightingale Award to one nurse every year who emulates the enduring symbol of Florence Nightingale herself and represents the mission, hopes and expectations of the nursing profession to its members and to the world at large. The Outstanding Team Award is given to a team within Patient Care Services that exemplifies camaraderie, professionalism and dedication to working together to improve patient care.

Myra Dionido-Magat, RN
Clinical Manager, Dahod 4 and Medical Surgical 2
2025 Florence Nightingale Award

“Florence Nightingale is known for her enduring symbols that carry the message of our essence. Florence recognized that ‘ingenuity and perseverance…and these really constitute a good nurse…might save more lives than we know’. Myra emulates this symbolism and characteristics. Her unwavering commitment to improve care for heart failure and dementia has improved countless outcomes for patients. Her D4 unit achieved a silver Beacon Award for Excellence in practice and work environment from the AACN and is the only intermediate care unit in the system to have this designation. She is mentoring and growing the next generation of nurses and nurse leaders and her impact will transcend for years to come.”

Respectfully submitted by: Cece Lynch, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE – Vice President Patient Care Services / Chief Nurse Executive

Bridget Adams, RN
Dahod 3
Excellence in Nursing Mentorship

“As a seasoned and designated charge nurse overnight, Bridget takes on the responsibility of mentoring new graduate nurses, providing them with the guidance, support, and expertise they need to thrive in their roles. Whether offering clinical advice, emotional support, or hands-on training, Bridget’s approach to mentorship is compassionate, patient, and effective. Her positive influence helps ease the transition for new nurses, fostering a sense of confidence and competence in them. Through her mentorship, she has not only shaped the careers of many but also helped elevate the entire nursing team on D3.”

Respectfully submitted by: The Staff of Dahod 3

Betsy Cunningham, RN
Stroke Program
Excellence in Community Involvement

“Among one of the many hats she wears, Betsy has championed bringing information about stroke awareness, education, and prevention to various community events, such as volunteering with the mobile farmers market at the Lowell Senior Center, the Lowell Community Health Center, and the Lowell Farmers Market. She has also attended the Lowell Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association to promote stroke awareness and education and spoke at the Encompass Health Fair last year. In addition, Betsy is a member of a system-wide multidisciplinary networking group aimed at improving stroke care and collaboration within Tufts Medicine. We are so fortunate to have Betsy at our organization!”

Respectfully submitted by: Diane Regan, RN

April Forand, RN
Behavioral Health
Excellence in Direct Patient Care

“Being a float nurse for behavioral health, April sees all ages of patients and all types of diagnoses. Her care excels in every situation. I have seen her work with our youngest patients and gain the trust of the patient and their parents. April will consistently meet these young patients on their level, play with them, and try to find coping skills for them that are appropriate for their age. I have also watched her work with our elderly population, working with a dementia patient helping them to calm down and go to sleep. Patients comment that April sees them for more than their behavior; she sees them as a whole person and treats them with respect. April is an amazing nurse!”

Respectfully submitted by: Nicole Wall, RN

Valerie Kimbriel, RN
Nursing Education
Excellence in Continued Professional Development

“In the last year, Val has supported several quality improvement projects including increasing the quality of care for behavioral health patients in the ED, restraints documentation, medication documentation and safety room checks. Val has also supported the care of the stroke patient and education for the new telestroke processes. She has supported sepsis care by educating staff on the proper way to collect blood cultures, and IV push antibiotics to decrease the door to drug time for patients who have a high mortality rate. Val’s experience and certification is viewed by her peers as a nurse that has great credibility and incredible skill.”

Respectfully submitted by: Tracie McPadden, RN

Nicole Malfa, RN
Oncology Care Unit
Excellence in Professional Practice

“In both bedside and charge roles, Nicole is often recognized by peers for her willingness to help in any situation. Whether it be challenging families, assisting another unit with a port, ensuring a safety report is entered, or simply answering a call light, Nicole is always there to ensure care is delivered in line with the professional practice model. She is often heard stating ‘Whatever is best for everyone’ to ensure all the patients receive quality care. Nicole is collaborative in her care approach to allowing the patient to receive the best, and most accurate, care and information. It is not uncommon to see her decorating, cleaning or making a patient a birthday card to enhance the healing environment on OCU.”

Respectfully submitted by: Ashley Terranova, RN; Jasmine Walker, RN; Colleen Harsh, RN

Tianna Moloney, RN
Dahod 4
Excellence in Nursing Quality

“Tianna has demonstrated outstanding leadership in enhancing Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) care within Lowell General Hospital. She has aimed at reducing readmission rates for CHF patients by implementing comprehensive educational programs for both patients and staff. Tianna’s unwavering commitment and expertise have significantly advanced the heart failure initiative on Dahod 4, bringing about remarkable improvements in patient quality outcomes and staff education. As the D4 champion of heart failure, I love to watch not only Tianna grow in this process but the entire unit as they have adopted new practices to support patients.”

Respectfully submitted by: Holly Carney, RN; Jennifer Gemos, RN; Myra Dionido-Magat, RN

Shelby Hickox Murray, RN
Dahod 3
Excellence in Quality Caring

“Shelby is known for her unwavering positivity, deep knowledge, and commitment to excellence. Since joining the D3 team, Shelby has become a nurse that others look up to. She shows this in her role as Charge Nurse. Shelby will take the time to help any of her coworkers in need. Shelby exemplifies Duffy’s Quality Caring Model through the relationships she builds with her patients and their families. Her approach to nursing is not just about providing care, it is about fostering trust, building meaningful connections, and making patients feel safe and heard. Shelby encourages her coworkers to follow this model by treating each patient as individuals. She enthusiastically advocates for her patients and ensures that they are treated with the care that fits their specific needs.”

Respectfully submitted by: Robin Marion; Sabrina Duquette; Lucy Hinde, RN; Nicole Barry, RN

Nicole Wall, RN
Behavioral Health
Excellence in Evidence-Based Practice

“Nicole is an amazing servant leader who leads efforts in evidence-based practice. In her role, she has been instrumental in bringing so much to Lowell General Hospital that we have now incorporated into standard practice. One such example is Nicole brought the Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT) program to the Saints Campus as a pilot and is now planning to roll it out to the main campus. BERT teams are cited in the literature as best practices for safety and support for staff to access in an aggressive patient situation. Due to Nicole’s efforts in rolling this out, nurses have voiced how supported they feel, and restraints have been reduced due to early intervention during escalating situations. I am beyond grateful for all the ways Nicole incorporates evidence-based practice into her work and freely shares her time, knowledge, and expertise to improve patient care and support staff.”

Respectfully submitted by: Diane Regan, RN

Outstanding Team Award
The staff from the Pediatrics was awarded Outstanding Team for characterizing the true meaning of collaboration, professionalism and dedication to working together to improve patient care. They exemplify teamwork beyond the walls of their unit by interacting with multiple departments and are always willing to go above and beyond for patients and each other.