Mother-to-mother empathy inspires compassionate care for January's DAISY recipient

When Olivia Bryant brought her 2-year-old son, Zach, to his pediatrician’s office for what she thought might be strep throat, she met a nurse whose empathy and personal experience would become invaluable as the family faced a far more serious diagnosis.

In recognition of her extraordinary care, Emily Selby, LPN, of Whitewater Valley Primary Care in Connersville, has been named Reid Health’s DAISY Award recipient for January.

Bryant, an RN at Reid’s Family Birthing Center, nominated Selby after Zach’s August 2025 visit. Both families live in Connersville, Indiana.

Bryant took Zach to his pediatrician, Christi Holmes, MD, concerned he might have strep throat.

“Emily was so kind to us throughout this process,” Bryant wrote in the nomination. 

“My son was very upset as he didn't feel well. She quickly swabbed his throat and got us out for labs and X-rays to get him home where he would be more comfortable.”

The strep test was negative, but that evening, Zach was admitted to Cincinnati Children’s with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a common form of blood and bone marrow cancer in children – the family’s worst fear.

For Selby, the news brought back memories of her own children’s medical challenges, including early cancer concerns for her daughter — later diagnosed as immune thrombocytopenia — and the loss of her infant son. 

“When Zach came in, I had a gut feeling,” Selby said. “We’d been in a similar place before.”

Selby, a mother of five, had first met the Bryants during Zach’s newborn visit in 2023. Their shared experiences made her feel compelled to reach out and offer support.

“Their world was crumbling, and it was a feeling I could relate to,” Selby said. “I needed her to know, momma to momma and nurse to nurse, I was praying nonstop for them and they were on my mind.”

Bryant said Selby’s continued check-ins brought comfort.

“Her kindness will never be forgotten,” Bryant wrote.

Billie Kester, Vice President/Ambulatory Care & Services Lines, presented Selby with the award, noting the powerful impact of Bryant’s nomination. Each DAISY recipient receives a certificate, a pin, and “The Healer’s Touch” sculpture recognizing extraordinary nursing compassion. 

“This award recognizes not only Emily’s clinical expertise, but also the genuine care, reassurance, and empathy she brings to patients and their families,” Kester said.

Receiving the award was an emotional surprise for Selby.

“I didn’t feel like I was going above and beyond,” she said. “I was simply trying to be there for a family during a devastating time.”

Selby began her healthcare career as a certified nursing assistant before earning her Licensed Practical Nurse certification in 2010. She joined Reid in 2011, working in oncology, hospice, and medical-surgical care before transferring to the Family Birthing Center, where she became a lead scrub nurse and certified lactation counselor. In 2020, she joined Dr. Holmes to help build the pediatric practice in Connersville.

Bryant joined Reid as a student nurse in 2021 before transitioning to the Family Birthing Center as an RN in 2022.

Selby continues to stay connected with the family, sharing small gestures — like photos of Zach’s bracelet — to let them know she’s thinking of him. The Bryants also expressed gratitude for the Whitewater Valley Primary Care team.

“This entire office staff has been the best support and truly incredible to us,” Bryant said.

“Within 24 hours, they had a care package for not only my son but myself as well. True kindness and compassion run deep in that office.”

The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day. To learn more about the DAISY Award or submit a nomination, visit https://www.reidhealth.org/daisy-award.