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JACKSONVILLE, Texas (KETK) – A care unit team at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Jacksonville recently received a prestigious nursing award after their care for a traumatic brain injury patient.

Back in February of 2024, 24-year-old Kaitlyn Dunn was the passenger in a motorcycle crash where the bike flipped and skidded more than 150 feet and crashed into an end-of-road barrier.

After being flower to a Houston-area hospital for care, she experienced several seizures. Her case was accepted by the Jackosnville team, but it would be a long and uncertain road to recovery ahead. In total, she spent about two months in the unit.

Her CHRISTUS team included nurses, nursing assistants, therapists, physicians, housekeepers, dietary staff and others. They all celebrated her small milestones – from first steps to sharing meals and creating art together.

“This young woman transformed the heart of our unit. She reminded us of our purpose, and we are better caregivers because of her.” 

Jamie Maddox, chief nursing officer

Due to the care provided, the entire unit was awarded a DAISY Team Award from the DAISY Foundation. The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the extraordinary, compassionate care provided by nurses.  

“This award is not just a recognition of compassionate care; it’s a reflection of the strength, unity and heart of an entire team of nurses who show up every day for others together,” Maddox said.

Dunn continues her journey of recovery at home, but says she keeps in touch with the staff who made such an impact on her.

During the award ceremony, she sent a video in which she proudly and excitedly told her care team about the improvements she has made in mobility, hand-eye coordination and even how she’s driving her uncle’s truck around the yard.

“I really cannot wait to see you all again,” Dunn said in the video. “I miss you and I love you all.”