Williamsport, Pa., June 5, 2026 – Linda Wright, BSN, UPMC Williamsport; Tim Wolfe, RN, UPMC Muncy; Kendra Pysher, BSN, UPMC Williamsport; Kristin Brown, RN, UPMC Williamsport; and Hailey Dynesko, RN, UPMC Cole, were recently recognized as recipients of the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses.

Linda was nominated by a patient’s family member who shared:

“Linda is an extraordinary nurse and person. She took great care of my father while he was in the Emergency Department. She took her time with him, as well as us. Linda was very personable, pleasant, and caring and showed true concern. It made us comfortable knowing we had to eventually leave, but he would be in good hands. Everyone we came in contact with was nice, but Linda stood out and shows great empathy and makes you feel like your loved one will be in great hands.”

Tim was nominated by a patient who shared:

“From the second I met Tim, he was very welcoming and friendly. His demeanor was very calming, which put me at ease. Tim was very knowledgeable and explained every medication and what to expect before and after my procedure. When I told him that I was nervous, he took the time to talk with me and tell me a funny story, which helped me feel much better. The fact that he took time to help me calm down during what I’m sure was a very busy shift shows that he is willing to go above and beyond for his patients. I am very thankful that Tim was my nurse.”

Kendra was nominated by a co-worker who shared:

“Kendra is the nurse who I would want at my bedside taking care of me. Her empathy and care go above and beyond what is considered ‘normal.’ Kendra and I were caring for an elderly patient on end-of-life comfort care. We stayed with her, spoke to her, held her hand, and provided comfort during her final moments. It was one of the saddest but also one of the most fulfilling shifts I’ve ever worked. I know I was proud to be a part of the UPMC family that day, and I was beyond blessed to have been working with a nurse who shared the same morals and empathy as myself.”

Kristin was nominated by a patient’s family member who shared:

“Being a nurse myself, I was in awe of Kristin’s professional, caring, and compassionate demeanor. Her expertise and knowledge were carried out seamlessly. I was thankful that she was working. Kristin is a blessing and a gift to every patient she cares for. I felt privileged to have witnessed a truly excellent colleague. She is the true description of a nurse.”

Hailey was nominated by a patient who shared:

“Hailey pays attention and she cares deeply. One day, my heart rate wouldn’t stabilize. Throughout it all, Hailey remained calm, compassionate, and incredibly communicative. She explained everything clearly, helping quiet my anxiety. Her kindness showed in countless ways – checking in regularly, being gentle during early-morning vitals and treating me with genuine respect and empathy. When it was time for discharge, Hailey once again went above and beyond. She didn’t just hand over paperwork and move on, she patiently walked me through every detail, ensuring I fully understood what I needed to do after leaving her care. She never made me feel rushed or inadequate, only supported and respected. I’ve had multiple hospital stays, but I’ve never felt so genuinely cared for. Hailey made me feel safe, seen, and valued. She is truly a remarkable nurse.”

The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 in California by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of an auto-immune disease. During his eight-week hospital stay, his family was impressed by the care and compassion his nurses provided, not only to him but to everyone in the family. They created the DAISY Award in his memory to recognize those nurses who make a big difference in the lives of so many people.

UPMC is proud to be a DAISY Award partner. Nurses are nominated by patients, family members of patients, as well as other healthcare professionals. DAISY Awards are presented to nurses at UPMC in North Central Pa. monthly. Each DAISY Award Honoree is given a DAISY Award pin, a certificate of honor, and a stone sculpture entitled, A Healer’s Touch, handcrafted by a tribe in Zimbabwe. Anyone can nominate a nurse for the award including co-workers, patients, patient family members, or physicians. To nominate a nurse, visit UPMC.com/ThankaNurse.