Please help me congratulation Kyle Funderburke on being our 3rd Qtr Daisy Award Winner!
Please take a moment to read the below write up a family member wrote about Kyle after he cared for their loved one that passed away. Some minor edits have been made for HIPPA compliance.
What Kyle Funderburke did for our family was nothing short of extraordinary.
Kyle exemplified the pinnacle of empathy, professionalism, and clinical excellence. He didn’t just care for my wife—he cared for all of us. I first noticed him quietly entering her room, adjusting medications to keep her comfortable and pain-free. He was unobtrusive, yet always present. He checked on her with gentle precision, and checked on me with genuine concern.
One moment I’ll never forget: I looked up and saw Kyle using Q-tips to gently moisten her lips with cool water. Later, I asked him in the hallway about some of her movements. He explained them with clarity and compassion, helping me feel less afraid and more included in her care.
Kyle also shared something that changed everything. He told me that, in his experience, my wife seemed to be holding on for someone or something. He suggested I tell her I would be okay—that she could relax. When I did, something almost magical happened. She settled. Her breathing softened. I held her hand and read messages from her siblings and children. As I was reading, two nurses came in to check on her. About a minute later, from the foot of the bed, Kyle gently said, “She’s gone.”
After everything was done, I was waiting for a ride home that hadn’t yet arrived. Without hesitation, Kyle booked an Uber for me—and paid for it out of his own pocket.
Kyle’s understanding of the dying process—for both patient and family—was profound. His clinical skill ensured my wife’s comfort. His emotional intelligence helped me navigate the hardest day of my life. His generosity extended beyond duty, beyond expectation.
Kyle is a role model for what nursing can be. He elevated the standard of care not just through what he did, but how he did it—with grace, humility, and heart. I firmly believe that once you read about the incredible impact he had on our family, you’ll not only bestow this honor upon him, but recognize the kind of nurse who transforms lives.
Thank you, Kyle, for this amazing example of why we are all here and working in healthcare! Not just for the patients, but the families and friends that love them as well!