Luke Dahl was “the calm in the storm” for Jean Dowd’s daughter, Christina, when her mother suffered a heart attack. His reassuring presence, clear communication, and exceptional care brought comfort during a frightening ambulance ride. At the hospital, Luke stayed by Christina’s side, compassionately explaining the situation, finding her a chair, and making sure she had what she needed before leaving. Though Jean did not survive, Christina will always remember Luke’s kindness and the way he cared for both her mother and her.

For Dawson and his mother, Tami Sorrells, the team at Grace Hospice provided far more than medical care. They offered compassion, dignity, and a genuine human connection during a difficult journey. Through thoughtful conversations, patience, and individualized attention, Dawson's caregivers made him feel seen, heard, and valued. Over time, his medical team became his community, sharing everyday moments and building relationships that brought comfort and meaning to his life. Their kindness left a lasting impression on both Dawson and his mother, reminding us that exceptional care is about treating the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

Mason and Samantha Pennington nominate Dr. Sarah Peeples for the care she gave their adopted son, Christian, who came to them through a Safe Haven Baby Box and was later diagnosed with a rare, life-limiting condition. Dr. Peeples gave the family her personal cell number from their first appointment and stayed closely involved in Christian's care, gently preparing them for difficult decisions and walking them through end-of-life conversations with honesty and compassion. After Christian passed at 11 months old, she attended his funeral and continued checking on the family, even sending a card the following Mother's Day. The Penningtons say she cared not just for Christian, but for their whole family.

The family of Terry Merrill nominates Jordan Simpson, RN with Elite Hospice in Bryant, for the care she gave their father, a former Marine and law enforcement officer, in his final five days. Terry's one wish was to die in his RV beside his wife, and Jordan's advocacy and presence made that possible. She met his stubborn humor with warmth, joining in his jokes even about death, and stayed with the family until his final breath. His family says Jordan honored not just his medical needs but who he was, and made his passing filled with dignity, love, and laughter.

Wanda Wise nominates Heather Lane, RN with Hospice Homecare in Bryant, Arkansas, for the care she gave her husband, James, after 64 years of marriage. The day before James passed, he had a remarkable moment of speaking to loved ones who had gone before him, and that night he told Wanda he loved her for the last time. When James passed, Heather chose to wait until the rest of the family arrived before calling it, staying with them like family well after the funeral home had come. Wanda says Heather's compassion and willingness to put the family first turned one of their hardest nights into something meaningful.

John Altenbaumer, Hospice Care Consultant • Taylor Doles, Social Worker • Abbie Golleher, RN • Melissa Heath, RN • Glinda Harvey-Nowden, Hospice Aide • Bradley Hill, RN • Sara Hines, RN • Jason Palmero, Chaplain The family of Edna Jean Rowland nominates the Gentiva Hospice team who cared for her in her final days, including John Altenbaumer, Taylor Doles, Abbie Golleher, Melissa Heath, Glinda Harvey-Nowden, Bradley Hill, Sara Hines, Jason Palmero, and Yvonne Sims. Though Edna's hospice journey lasted only about ten days, the team responded quickly to every need, bathed and treated her with dignity, and handled her passing with grace and gentleness. Team members even checked in on the family afterward. Her family says the team honored Edna's own lifelong legacy of helping others by caring for her, and for them, with extraordinary compassion.

Donna Jenik nominates David Cariker, lead hospice nurse, for the care he gave her mother, Geraldine Carter, from June until her passing in October 2025. David called during each visit to update the family on Geraldine's health, held her hand as she talked through difficult topics, and helped her spend her final days at home as she wished. In her last 24 hours, he accurately walked the family through what to expect, and after she passed he called Donna personally to share fond memories of her mother. Donna says David and the hospice team brought comfort, dignity, and peace to their family's journey.