Veteran shows gratitude for Registered Nurse Karen Parr with DAISY Award nomination

“Providing health care to our Veterans is a deeply meaningful responsibility,” shared Parr. “It’s a way to give back to those who have served and sacrificed for their country—ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.”

Parr is no stranger to the sacrifice military service entails. Her daughter and son-in-law are currently on active duty, her brother is a Veteran with 24 years of military service, and her father was a Veteran.

‘The DAISY nomination was especially meaningful because it came from a Veteran,” said Parr.

The DAISY Foundation, for which the award is named, was established in 1999 by members of the family of Patrick Barnes to express their thankfulness for the extraordinary care Barnes’ nurses provided to him during his critical care in his fight against Diseases Attacking the Immune System—DAISY.

Medical Center Director Kevin Forrest provided welcome remarks acknowledging the significance of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

“What started out as a thank you from the Barnes family to nurses has grown into a meaningful recognition program embraced by thousands of health care organizations around the world,” said Forrest.

“We are very proud to partner with DAISY as we have extraordinary nurses here at VA Manchester,” added Forrest.

In agreeance were two very special people who brought everyone together, U.S. Air Force Veteran Michael Merrill and his spouse, Teri Poirier, who nominated Parr for the award. 
In the nomination package, Merrill stated, “She made me feel important and well cared for, above and beyond what was needed.”

Associate Director for Patient Care Services Jennifer Winslow presented the certificate to Parr expressing gratitude to her for choosing VA Manchester to serve Veterans.
“Ms. Parr’s nomination came from a Veteran patient, who wanted to share the positive impact that she has had on his experiences at VA Manchester,” said Winslow. “Mr. Merrill shared examples of Karen’s professionalism and described her as very kind and caring while expressing his appreciation for the support Karen offered to coordinate several health care appointments he needed.”

“The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is presented to you with deep appreciation for all you do, who you are, and the incredible meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people,” added Winslow.

Parr received a DAISY Award certificate, a bouquet of flowers, a DAISY honoree pin, and The Healer’s Touch sculpture for the prestigious recognition.

Senior leadership thanked Merrill and Poirier for choosing VA, nominating Parr, and for making a special trip to attend the presentation.

“Being able to make a difference for someone who has served is truly an honor,” stated Parr.

Merrill was speechless by the end of the ceremony as he expressed his gratitude for his health care at VA Manchester in the presence of Parr and others like her who are making a difference.

“The bond between health care professionals is a vital foundation for delivering excellent patient care. It’s built on trust, teamwork, and shared experiences,” said Parr. “This collaboration fosters open communication, mutual support, and a collective commitment to improving patient outcomes.”

Parr added, “In settings like the VA, this connection takes on an even deeper meaning as health care teams unite around the common purpose of serving those who have served.”

Lori Flynn, Public Affairs Officer

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