DAISY Award winner donates shoes, helping patient heal

Nursing runs in the family for Libby Vogel, an acute care RN at UCHealth Parkview Medical Center. When she saw a patient with a unique and specific need, she stepped up immediately, following the family mantra: “See a need. Fill a need.”

“I was concerned when I noticed one of my patients with an ulcer on her foot,” said Vogel. “When I asked about it, she told me she only had one pair of old, hand-me-down shoes and couldn’t afford a new pair. It was very emotional for her to discuss.”

Vogel realized that her patient was dealing with a pressure wound on her foot because the only shoes she owned didn’t fit. In fact, the patient was sticking tissues inside to try to make them fit better.

Knowing that poor footwear could lead to further complications for her patient, Vogel went out after work and purchased shoes and clothes then brought them to the patient during her next shift.

“I called my husband and told him the story and said I was going to get some items for this patient,” Vogel said. “He was so supportive. He told me to get a couple of extra pairs of shoes and some socks and clothes to make sure she had what she needed to get healthy.”

The shoes “fit like a glove,” and the patient was so excited that she immediately tried them out during a short walk.

Andrea Wade, director of patient services at UCHealth Parkview, recognized Vogel with a DAISY Award nomination.

“Libby shows compassion and grace to all of her patients, and this was another example of how she goes above and beyond. Through this kind and thoughtful act, she improves lives in big and small ways.”

The DAISY Award is an international program that honors nurses for their exceptional skill and compassionate care. The award recognizes any nurse — whether in direct care, leadership, education or support roles — who makes a meaningful impact on patients and staff. Honorees are celebrated for modeling ethical, compassionate behavior, fostering professional growth, inspiring teams and elevating the image of nursing in their organization and beyond.

“Thanks to the generous support of the UCHealth Parkview Foundation, we formed our very first DAISY Award committee here at Parkview,” said Noreen Bernard, chief nursing officer at UCHealth Parkview. “We had over a dozen fantastic nominations for this first quarter. I wish we could give awards to everyone.”

Vogel was recognized as the first DAISY Award winner at UCHealth Parkview at the start of Nurses Week. She received a banner, certificate, pin and a special statue hand-carved by female artisans in Zimbabwe.

“It is such a blessing to be recognized,” said Vogel.

DAISY Award Information and nominations for nurses can be made at www.daisyfoundation.org. Information and nominations for other health care staff can be made through the Aspen Awards tab at uchealth.org.