Altru Nurse Recognized for Going Above and Beyond

Madilyn Kerby, RN, has been named a recipient of the DAISY Award, an international honor recognizing nurses who provide exceptional, compassionate care to patients and their families.

Kerby was nominated by a family whose lives she touched during the births of all three of their children. She was present for the birth of their first child, Tate, where her calm presence and compassionate approach helped make an overwhelming experience feel supported and sacred. She thoughtfully included both parents throughout the delivery and captured photos of their growing family to share with loved ones.

The following morning, the family discovered that Kerby had quietly knitted a hat for their newborn during the night and gently placed it on his head. This deeply meaningful act brought the new parents to tears. In her spare moments, Kerby regularly knits hats for newborns in her care, a reflection of her generosity and dedication.

Kerby was also present for the births of the family’s next two children, creating a bond that extended beyond the hospital. That connection became so meaningful that the family honored her by sharing her name as their daughter’s middle name.

“One of our values at Altru is Go Above and Beyond. There is no doubt Madilyn exhibits this value,” said Lisa Johnson, director of Specialty Services. “Madilyn also brings exceptional clinical skill and extraordinary compassion into every interaction.”

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little-known, but not uncommon, auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses 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.