Medina Memorial has 2 DAISY award winners as compassionate nurses

Provided photos: Kim Gray, left, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health, is shown with the nominees for this year’s DAISY Award. They are Pamela Washak, Carol Martucci (winner), Karina Rotoli and Amy Strickland.

MEDINA – For the third year, Orleans Community Health has participated in the DAISY Award program, recognizing two nurses whose compassion, professionalism and dedication have made a lasting impact on patients and families throughout the organization.

The internationally-recognized DAISY Award program honors extraordinary nurses for the clinical skill and compassionate care they provide every day, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing.

Jennifer Adams, one of the recipients of the DAISY Award at Medina Memorial Hospital, poses with Kim Gray, chief nursing officer, after the awards ceremony last week.

This year’s award recipients are Emergency Room nurse Jennifer Adams and nursing supervisor Carol Martucci.

“The partnership with the DAISY Foundation underscores our commitment to acknowledging the exceptional work of our nurses who make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and their families every day,” said Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health. “Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and we are excited to join hands with the DAISY Foundation to shine a spotlight on their extraordinary efforts.”

In addition to Adams and Martucci, this year’s nominations included Danielle Gullo, Leann Balcerzak, Jill Kotzbach, Karina Rotoli, Lisa McQueen, Amy Strickland and Pamela Washak.

One nomination for Adams highlighted the comfort and reassurance she provided during a patient’s care experience.

“What stood out most was how she guided my care so seamlessly,” the nomination stated. “She anticipated my needs, ensured my comfort, and consistently checked in on my pain and anxiety. Nothing ever felt chaotic or uncertain because she created an environment of reassurance and compassion. It was clear she was not just performing tasks – she was caring for me as a whole person.”

A nomination for Martucci recognized her compassion and professionalism during a stressful medical situation.

“She compassionately explained my situation and reassured me I would be in good hands and all would be well,” the nomination read. “When I got to Unity, the ER doctors there looked over my chart and records and said, ‘Well, we really don’t have any further tests to do. Medina did everything.’ This brought a smile to my face and pride for my hometown hospital.”

Established in 1999, the DAISY Foundation was created by the family of J. Patrick Burns, who died at the age of 33 due to complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura. “DAISY” stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem.

The DAISY Award is presented through nominations submitted by patients, families and co-workers who wish to recognize nurses for the outstanding care they provide. Orleans Community Health congratulates all of this year’s nominees and thanks its nursing staff for their continued dedication to serving the community.