August 1, 2025, SALINAS, CA - The latest DAISY Award ceremony at Salinas Valley Health was especially heartfelt and emotional. In addition to the usual gathering of executive leaders and staff, the family of a former patient was on hand to recognize the caregiver they nominated for the nursing excellence award, Aerin Rumrill, BSN, RN.

Rumrill joined Salinas Valley Health in 2022 as a new nursing graduate and has worked on the oncology unit since early 2023. It was on that unit where he received the surprise recognition for the skillful and compassionate care he provided patient Audrey Garcia before she passed away from cancer in March. Pia Lindstrom and Phil Garcia, Audrey’s sister and brother tearfully shared their appreciation for Rumrill.

“I cannot say enough about the care you provided not only to Audrey, but also to us,” Pia Lindstrom  told Rumrill. “It meant the world to Audrey when she was sick and knowing you were with her when we were not, provided an extra layer of comfort. You are not only an extraordinary nurse, you are an exceptional man.”

Rumrill’s passion for his profession is deeply personal. “Both of my parents passed away from cancer,” Rumrill explained. “So I feel like I know what the family goes through and I bring that understanding to their journey as well. It allows me to offer some insight that is perhaps unique. It is a privilege to have something positive come from my loss.”

In addition to the DAISY Award healing touch statue, certificate and other honoree gifts, Lindstrom  handed Rumrill a card from the family saying, “When we think of Audrey, even in our grief, we connect with something just as powerful and that is the care you gave her and we feel very blessed.”

“I like to go home every shift knowing I did my very best for every patient and family,” said Rumrill. “Sometimes though, you don’t know the impact you’re having and this award and encounter reminds me, I really do make a difference.”

Rumrill received a total of three nominations. In addition, other DAISY Award nominees are: Cristina Araujo, BSN, RN, CMSRN, Ortho Neuro Spine;  Emily Biagini-Lee, RN, Emergency Department; Armin De Galicia, BSN, RN, CSMRN, Med Surg; Rosamaria Flores, RN, Oncology; Mayra Jara, RN, Oncology; Sandra Martinez, RN, ICU/CCU; Jovie Palma, BSN, RN, Observation Care Unit; Cecilia Pena, BSN, RN, Observation Care Unit; David Castro Rangel, RN, Med Surg; Brittany Sonderegger, BSN, RN, CEN, Emergency Department; Claudia Stevens, RN, Oncology; Svetlana Ushakoff, RN, Mother/Baby; and Ma Margarita "Margie" Valdez, BSN, RN, CCRN, NICU. 

Each month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes an outstanding nurse with the DAISY Award and a non-nursing team member with the STAR Award. The DAISY Award is part of an international program that celebrates nurses for delivering extraordinary care with skill and compassion. The STAR Award highlights team members across all departments at Salinas Valley Health who exemplify the organization’s core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability, and Respect. Nominations are submitted by patients, visitors, and staff.

To learn more about the awards or to nominate a team member, visit SalinasValleyHealth.com/nomination.

Editor Note: photo (l to r) Phil Garcia, patient’s brother; Aerin Rumrill, BSN, RN, Salinas Valley Health Oncology Staff Nurse II; and Pia Lindstrom, patient’s sister. Second photo Pia Lindstrom and Aerin Rumrill share an embrace. Third photo Salinas Valley Health Chief Nursing Officer Carla Spencer, MSN, RN, NEA-BC presents Aerin Rumrill, BSN, RN with DAISY Award