McLaren Greater Lansing nurse Emily Cross was honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the exceptional care nurses provide every day.
The nomination, submitted by a patient’s family member, read as follows: “I have nominated Emily for the DAISY Award because she has been a constant source of kindness, strength, and compassion throughout one of the hardest journeys of our lives. From the moment of my husband’s cancer diagnosis, through every hospital stay, treatment setback, and tough conversation, Emily has been right there beside us; not just as a nurse, but as a steady, supportive presence who truly cares. Emily embodies everything you hope for in a nurse, including her clinical skills and professionalism. She never misses a detail and always takes the time to explain things in a way that eases fear and builds trust. She works seamlessly with the rest of the health care team, advocating for my husband’s needs and making sure his care is thoughtful, personal, and aligned with the latest medical practices.”
The nominator went on to say, “But what makes Emily truly exceptional is the heart she brings to her work. One moment I’ll never forget was when Emily went out of her way to help us celebrate our son’s third birthday during one of my husband’s long hospital stays. She pulled together a small, sweet birthday party in the unit so our little boy could feel some joy and normalcy, even while his dad was in a hospital bed. That act of kindness will stay with our family forever. Emily has made an immeasurable difference not just in my husband’s life, but in ours as a family. She is the definition of compassionate care and the kind of nurse who leaves a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to cross her path.”
Cross was recognized by hospital leadership and coworkers as she received a certificate commending her for being an “Extraordinary Nurse” and a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona people in Zimbabwe.
With degrees in political science and criminal justice, Cross initially planned to go to law school. However, after she experienced her own medical event during the birth of her daughter, she knew she wanted to do for others what the nurses did for her. She also had a close friend whose family member was affected by cancer.
Through those experiences, she was inspired to switch career paths, and she has been a nurse for two years, helping others in the oncology unit of the hospital.
"I love coming to work and building relationships with our oncology patients every day," said Cross. "I'm incredibly grateful to work alongside my colleagues in this unit and to be able to care for these patients and their families when they need it most."
About the DAISY Award
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation, based in Glen Ellen, California, was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired by this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families.
“When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced firsthand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” said Bonnie Barnes, president and co-founder of the DAISY Foundation. “Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the superhuman work they do. The kind of work the nurses at McLaren Greater Lansing are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of the DAISY Award.”