Penn State Health Holy Spirit, Hampden medical centers honors nurses with new ‘Healer’s Touch’ statues
Leaders at Penn State Health Holy Spirit and Hampden medical centers honored their nurses and other health care workers by installing two “Healer’s Touch” statues in the hospital lobbies. The statues were unveiled on May 11 and May 15, following National Nurses Week 2026.
The serpentine stone sculptures raise awareness of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing program and are larger versions of the figurines given to honorees.
The DAISY Award – which stands for “Diseases Attacking the Immune System” – is an international program that recognizes nurses for providing extraordinary, compassionate care.
“This statue is a tribute to our nurses and all health care workers who make a difference for our patients, families and communities every day,” said Leslyn Williamson, president of Holy Spirit and Hampden medical centers.
Tina Martin, Pathway to Excellence program director, read “The Making of a Nurse: A Metaphor in Stone” at the Holy Spirit Medical Center event, while Sheri Millis, Women’s Services director at Hampden Medical Center, read the poem at the Hampden event.
The three-foot-tall “Healer’s Touch” statues are hand-carved by artists of the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe.
About the DAISY Award
DAISY Awards are presented monthly to one nurse at each Penn State Health hospital, including Holy Spirit and Hampden medical centers. Each honoree receives a certificate and a small Healer’s Touch figurine.
Holy Spirit Medical Center has presented approximately 33 DAISY Awards to nurses since 2018. Hampden Medical Center has presented about 19 awards since opening in 2021.
Recognize a nurse or other staff member
To recognize a Penn State Health nurse who made a difference in your care or the care of someone you know, complete the DAISY Award nomination form.
To recognize another Penn State Health staff member, complete these forms:
- Golisano Children’s Hospital: Cubby Care Award
- Holy Spirit and Hampden medical centers: BEE (Be Extraordinary Every Day) Award
- Lancaster Medical Center: Mountain Laurel Award
- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Lion Care Award
- St. Joseph Medical Center: Guardian Angel Award
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