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December DAISY Award Winners

  • 3 minute read.
  • Last Updated: 9/17/2025

Three nurses at Thompson Cancer Network were honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. The DAISY Award was established in 1999 by the family of a patient who had received extraordinary care and compassion from his nurses during his final days. Last week, The DAISY Award was presented to Nicole Carone, RN, Susan Rutherford, RN, and Cathy Morgan, RN.  

 

Two women standing and smiling under a banner that reads Congratulate Our DAISY Award Honoree! One woman is in scrubs holding an award, while the other wears casual clothes and a hat. They are in a room with chairs and a table.
Nicole Carone, RN, poses with her nominator Christie Cunningham.

Nicole Carone, RN

Nicole Carone, RN from our radiation oncology department, was nominated for her dedication to excellent patient care. 

Christie Cunningham nominated Nicole after witnessing the way she cared for her late husband while undergoing cancer treatment. She commented, “When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, from the very beginning she was compassionate, humorous, and a thorough caretaker. She made a comment on his walking stick and even purchased a Gandalf beard for him so he could enjoy a moment of humor in the midst of grueling treatment and hard times.”  

One of Nicole’s coworkers added, “She is often the first of our nursing staff to arrive and is almost always the last to leave.”

 

Two healthcare professionals in white coats stand in front of a banner that reads Congratulations Our DAISY Award Honoree! One holds a certificate and a small sculpture, celebrating a nursing award. A bouquet and treats are on a table behind them.
Susan Rutherford, RN, poses with Thompson Cancer Network Medical Director Troy Kimsey, MD.

Susan Rutherford, RN

Susan Rutherford, RN and patient navigator at our Downtown location, was nominated for her outstanding patient advocacy efforts. 

A former cancer patient and current Thompson Cancer Network volunteer nominated Susan, saying, “Susan helped me when I had questions about my cancer treatment and even took the time to explain to me the decisions my care team suggested for me during treatment.”

Susan does more than care for cancer patients at work every day. She also volunteers her time at cancer awareness events and presents at cancer support groups. Her nominator added, “I have pretty pink memories of our commitment to a great cause!” 

Two women stand and smile in an office. One holds a certificate and a small statue. Behind them, a banner reads Congratulate Our DAISY Award Honoree! and a table displays flowers and snacks.
Cathy Morgan, RN, poses with nurse manager Shelia Brandenburg, RN.

Cathy Morgan, RN

Cathy Morgan, RN at our Downtown location, was nominated for her commitment to her patients and coworkers.

Multiple peers nominated Cathy for always going above and beyond to make sure her patients are cared for. One nominator wrote, “There was a time when she even split up her vacation to come in to work and assist with a difficult treatment for one of our patients.” Another coworker and nominator added, “She is definitely a blessing to Thompson. She makes every patient feel special and important.” 

The DAISY Committee presented all three winners with a pin, a certificate, daisies, The Healer’s Touch sculpture, and cinnamon rolls for their entire department to share. Congratulations, Nicole, Susan, and Cathy! We appreciate your passion for nursing and your commitment to always putting our patients first!

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