San Andreas, CA…Mark Twain Medical Center (MTMC) recently honored fourteen nurses that were nominated for The DAISY® Award. This award is for Extraordinary Nurses. All of the nominations were submitted by patients recognizing the super-human efforts Nurses perform every day from the November 2021 through April 2022 time period.

Pictured left to right: Kara Evans, RN Chief Nursing Officer; Cancer Center Nurse and DAISY award recipient Lenora Casey, along with Hospital President / CEO Doug Archer.

Pictured left to right: Beth Jacobs, Sherri McCutcheon, Lenora Casey, Chris Stevenson, Elaine Airola, Joleena Spalding, & Shelby Fitzpatrick-Anderson.

The DAISY award (acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation was formed in November 1999, by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). The nursing care Patrick received when hospitalized profoundly touched his family. One of the traditions with the Daisy award is to provide staff with Cinnabons® to snack on. Cinnabons® were one of the only food items that Mr. Barnes felt he could eat during his illnesses. All nurses who are recognized at the DAISY ceremony are given one of the special treats, along with a certificate of appreciation.

The following MTMC nurses were celebrated for their nomination:
• Shelby Fitzpatrick-Anderson
• Joleena Spalding
• Ellen Bautista
•Robyn Price
• Serena Kelling
•Chris Stevenson
• Elaine Airola
• Sherri McCutcheon
• Lindsy Gurden
• Threse Deane
• Beth Jacobs
• Andrea Madrid
• Jon Joscelyn

Lenora Casey, RN was selected as the DAISY honoree. She works in Cancer Care at the MTMC Multi-Specialty Care Center, and awarded a handmade carved trophy, flowers and a box of Cinnabons®.

The following excerpt was a part of the story for the nomination that was read and shared by Kara Evans, Chief Nursing Officer at MTMC.

From the moment we met Lenora we felt a connection. We know she was going to be an integral part of our team. She was always at the other end of the phone to answer questions and keep medication orders up to date. Her compassion felt personal. Her positive attitude was really helpful, and balanced so delicately with the realism of the situation. We felt lucky to have the Cancer Center in San Andreas to receive chemo treatments and follow up appointments. Between having the Cancer Center close to home and the exceptional availability of the staff in particular: LENORA! We send out heartfelt gratitude and we acknowledge this Peculiar Blessing.

“It is always inspiring to hear how our Nurses impact the lives of others, stated Doug Archer, CEO & Hospital President, “We have an incredible team of Nurses and Caregivers at MTMC. The DAISY Award is a remarkable way to see first-hand how the care they provide is appreciated and the impact it has for our patients.”
Mark Twain Medical Center
22-NR04
May 23, 2022
Page 4
Nicki Stevens – Manager
Marketing and Business Development
209 754-5919 | Nicki.Stevens@DignityHealth.org
marktwainmedicalcenter.org
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About Mark Twain Medical Center
Founded in 1951, Mark Twain Medical Center is a 25-bed, critical access hospital providing inpatient acute care, outpatient services and emergency services. The Medical Center’s Medical Staff represents a broad range of specialties that ensure access to high quality medical care in a rural community. In addition to being a major provider of health services, Mark Twain Medical Center is also one of the area’s largest employers. More than 300 people are employed at the hospital and its five Family Medical Centers. The Medical Center is a member of Dignity Health and a part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the nation dedicated to advancing health for all and serving communities in 21 states. For more information, please visit our website at. Mark Twain Medical Center is also on Facebook.