February DAISY Award Winner

Sealey Wright, RN of Sovah Health – Martinsville was honored today with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. 

Sealey, who works in the critical care unit (CCU) at Sovah Health – Martinsville’s campus, was nominated by a colleague who praised her for her unwavering compassion and care. One memorable instance involved a patient who was struggling to recover after abdominal surgery. The patient, unable to understand English or the available translator, was in significant pain and deeply frightened by her unfamiliar surroundings. She calmed momentarily when comforted by a nurse, but the relief was short-lived. Sealey, recognizing the patient's distress, went above and beyond to find a solution. She discovered traditional music from the patient’s cultural background, played it for her, and the patient was able to sleep peacefully for the first time in hours. Sealey didn’t stop there—she made sure every nurse on duty knew to continue playing the same music to help soothe the patient. This thoughtful gesture helped the patient feel safer, more at ease, and ultimately more comfortable in an otherwise stressful environment.

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes.  Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease.  The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. 

"When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, CEO and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation. “Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do.  The kind of work the nurses at Sovah Health are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

“Sealey’s extraordinary care reflects the true essence of nursing, and we are incredibly honored to recognize her for the exceptional service she provides to our patients,” said Lindsay Crumpton, Market Chief Nursing Officer at Sovah Health. “Her dedication goes beyond treating medical needs—she consistently offers the emotional support and genuine compassion that make a lasting impact. This recognition is a testament to Sealey’s remarkable contributions and the meaningful difference she makes in the lives of those she serves.”

To nominate a Sovah Health nurse for the DAISY Award, visit our website at SovahHealth.com/daisy-award.