December’s DAISY Award recipient recognized for attentive, compassionate patient care

Jan. 14, 2026 -- What began as a routine appointment for worsening back pain led to a cancer diagnosis and an extended stay in Reid Health's Orthopedics and Urology Unit for Duane Hobbs.

While there, he and his wife, Beverly Hobbs, connected with a nurse early into her career, whose attentiveness, care, and compassion made a lasting impact.

In recognition of her extraordinary care, Sarah Swanson, RN, a float nurse working with the Orthopedics and Urology Unit, has been named Reid Health's DAISY Award recipient for December.

The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day. Nominations can be submitted by patients, family members, colleagues, and community members. A committee of colleagues selects the recipient during a blind review process.

The Hobbs family nominated Swanson in late October 2025, prior to Duane's passing on Dec. 16, 2025.

"My husband and I went for a routine scheduled appointment for his back pain that was becoming more painful," Beverly Hobbs wrote.

A CT scan showed Duane's L1 vertebra was shattered, and he was sent to Reid's Emergency Room for further evaluation and testing.

"After a chain of different tests, we were given the devastating news he had multiple myeloma," Beverly Hobbs wrote.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells that forms in the bone marrow.

Hobbs was admitted to the hospital for treatment but soon experienced several serious complications — including atrial fibrillation, a deep vein thrombosis, and a mild stroke — that required additional treatment and delayed surgery.

During his stay, Hobbs became confused and sometimes combative at night.

"We were not only physically drained, but so emotionally drained," Beverly Hobbs wrote.

"This is where our nurse comes into the picture. From day one, she became our angel with a stethoscope."

Swanson took the time to listen, learning Hobbs' likes and dislikes, she wrote. When he mentioned his love for old music, Swanson played it during his most difficult moments to help calm him.

Swanson did more than provide care for Hobbs, she checked on her needs as well, she wrote.

One night especially stood out.

"His surgeon told us the night he came back from surgery would be a bad night for confusion, and it was," Beverly Hobbs wrote.

Although Swanson wasn't assigned to Hobbs' care that night, she was surprised to see her walk into the room, Beverly Hobbs wrote. Swanson explained she'd asked the assigned nurse to trade.

"We could go on and on about everything she did, but honestly, I'd be writing all day," Beverly Hobbs wrote.
"She was always professional, calm, and kind while caring for Duane."

The DAISY Award is presented monthly with the nominator, the honoree's colleagues, family members, and Reid Health leadership in attendance. Each recipient receives a certificate, a DAISY Award pin, and a hand-carved sculpture known as "The Healer's Touch," symbolizing the meaningful difference nurses make in the lives of others.

Swanson said the experience was a sweet surprise and she was honored to receive the award, especially as a new nurse. She said being congratulated by nursing leaders and sharing the moment with her husband, Eric Swanson, was especially meaningful.

"I appreciate my wonderful coworkers who had kind words to say, too," Swanson said.

"Most of all, I was so moved and overjoyed to be nominated by Beverly and Duane, who have been in my heart since the days we worked together during their stay at Reid.

"Their words brought tears to my eyes. They said I was their angel, but I felt like they were my angels, too. I'm thankful we met and they'll always stand apart in my mind as a special connection."

Swanson joined Reid in June 2025 as a nurse graduate from Ivy Tech Community College. The Swansons moved to Richmond with their children three years ago from Bloomington, Indiana, and have enjoyed getting to know the community and it's unique history, she said.

As a first-year nurse, she said she's had a positive experience while navigating the challenges of a new role.

"I learned and continue to learn from the best nurses, and I work with amazing, intelligent, funny people every single shift," Swanson said.

The award is an honor, but compassion is a central part of nursing for Swanson.

"I feel like each and every patient deserves the utmost compassion and kindness during their most vulnerable moments, and this is simply the standard, the very least we as nurses can provide," she said.

"At the same time, it feels really nice to be recognized for something that's very important to me. I'm truly honored and will continue serving our community to the best of my abilities."

Misti Foust-Cofield, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer at Reid, said the award recognizes Swanson's extraordinary level of empathy, professionalism, and commitment to patient-centered care.

"Sarah's compassion and willingness to go beyond clinical care made a meaningful difference for the Hobbs family during a difficult time and reflects the values we strive to uphold at Reid."

At the time of their nomination, Duane Hobbs had been on the unit for 13 days.

"I feel Sarah went above and beyond with her care and compassion shown to Duane and me," Beverly Hobbs wrote.

"A big thank you to our angel, Sarah, at Reid hospital."

About the DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. The DAISY Award was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family after he passed away from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Patrick and his family received 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. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.

To nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award, visit https://www.reidhealth.org/daisy-award.