Roger Casco receives St. Mary’s DAISY Award for excellence

Athens, Ga. – Roger Casco, a registered nurse who provides care in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU), has received St. Mary’s most recent systemwide DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence.

Casco, a resident of Good Hope, was nominated by the sister of a patient with a life-limiting condition:

“While we all knew my sister’s outcome was not going to be a positive one, Roger walked with us during this terrible time in our lives,” she writes.

“Communication, empathy, compassion, precision, respect and understanding is what I, along with my family, experienced with Roger,” the nomination continues. “To see my sister be in the care of a nurse who showed that extraordinary compassion was a calm and peace to all our hearts. She was not just patient #123. She is our sister, daughter, mother and friend. I do not know how long I may have my sister with us, but Roger will live with our family in our hearts for a lifetime.”

“Roger is a highly experienced nurse who embodies the truth that we care not only for the patient, but for all those who love the patient,” said Ann Gomes, director of Orthopedics and chair of St. Mary’s DAISY Committee. “Whether the loved ones can be here every day or are anxious to be part of the care team from a distant state, Roger takes them under his wing. He really does bring peace and understanding every time he comes into the room or picks up the phone.”

Casco has been part of the St. Mary’s team since 2020, working in the Emergency Department until moving to the IMCU in June.

How to Nominate a Nurse for the DAISY Award

There are two ways you can nominate a St. Mary's nurse:

1. Visit St. Mary's DAISY Award webpage.
2. Contact Melissa McDaniel, Marketing Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator, at (706) 389-3892.