AdventHealth Redmond has named Rebekkah “Reba” Lackey as the recipient of its first-quarter 2026 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international recognition honoring nurses who provide exceptional care and compassion to patients and their families.

Lackey was nominated by a patient who said a simple act of kindness during a pre-operative appointment made a lasting impact during a difficult time in her life.

According to the nomination, the patient became emotional while discussing her upcoming surgery and personal challenges. Reba responded with compassion, offering a comforting hug and taking time to listen.

During the appointment, Reba jokingly referred to a pen she handed the patient as her “good pen.” At the end of the visit, she encouraged the patient to keep it and offered words of support, telling her, “You’ve got this. You can do this.”

The patient later shared that the gesture and encouragement provided strength during a challenging season and that she continues to carry the pen as a reminder of hope and perseverance.

“Thank you, Reba, at AdventHealth Redmond,” the patient wrote. “You gave me strength when I needed it. You picked me up when I was down. You were so kind and genuine with me, even though we had just met.”

As a DAISY Award recipient, Lackey received a certificate, DAISY Award pin, a hand-carved Healer’s Touch sculpture, flowers, and recognition from hospital leadership and colleagues.

The DAISY Award was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes and is presented worldwide to nurses who demonstrate clinical excellence, compassion, and extraordinary patient care.