Phoebe Nurses Called ‘God’s Hands and Feet on Earth’ As They Are Awarded DAISY Award

Albany, GA | May 7, 2025 – It was a shocking diagnosis that rocked a Lee County family. Austin Grubbs was a healthy 49-year-old when he developed persistent back pain. Doctors discovered a large mass on his back that was eventually diagnosed as sarcoma, a rare but serious form of cancer. “His outlook was, ‘when this is over, I’ll have a story to share.’ He never said, ‘why me?’ He said, ‘Why can’t I be the one God gives a story to,’” Austin’s wife Melissa said. “His goal from day one was to share his story. He was always positive, and all of his nurses were positive and uplifting, and they made the journey bearable.”

Melissa – an HR Business Partner at Phoebe – wanted to highlight some of those outstanding nurses as the nation celebrates National Nurses Week. “All of those ladies touched our lives at every moment in so many different ways. They are truly in the profession they are meant to be, not just to take care of the patient, but their family,” she said.

Melissa nominated six nurses for the DAISY Award, a recognition that shines a light on extraordinary care and compassion shown by nurses around the world. She chose one nurse as a representative of the many Phoebe Family members who cared for the family through each step of Austin’s difficult health journey. “I can’t give a DAISY award to the amazing techs. Doctors don’t get a DAISY Award,” Melissa said. “Every interaction we had was positive, and these nurses are examples of the great care we received.”

About a week after Austin’s diagnosis, he began to have trouble walking. Melissa brought him to the Emergency Center at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital on June 16, 2024. Amid the fear and uncertainty, nurse Grace Musselwhite offered comfort through her calm presence and clinical skill.

“Her smile, patience, and knowledge comforted us. We knew Grace was a new nurse, but she worked like a tenured nurse. Grace’s care continued beyond her shift; she even visited before Austin’s surgery the next day,” Melissa said.

Following surgery, the Grubbs moved to Floor 6AB, where the emotional weight deepened, due to Austin no longer being able to feel or move his legs. The family faced the reality that the recovery would be long, and that specialized care would be needed.

“Our prayer was surgery would resolve these issues, but we didn’t realize how long of a journey it would be. It was determined we needed to go somewhere for inpatient rehab and where there was a sarcoma specialist,” Melissa said.

Matoya Hudson, the unit’s case manager, played a key role in finding the right rehabilitation center. “Matoya is hands down the best case manager. She went above and beyond and was in our room multiple times a day working out the details.”

Melissa described nurse Kayla Rountree as gentle, attentive, and deeply reassuring. Her presence made such an impact that saying goodbye was especially emotional. “The day we left was so hard because they had become family and a vital part of our story. More than a few tears were shed, and I can vividly recall Austin being wheeled by the nurses’ station and Kayla waving and wishing us well. We also saw Grace as he was wheeled into the non-emergency transport, and the tears really fell,” Melissa said.

Melissa also expressed gratitude for the support of Sheila Peak, a nurse navigator for Dr. Chirag Jani. Sheila’s support helped the family through every next step, both emotionally and practically. “Sheila held our hand through it all. She called or visited every day and comforted us when we received devastating news that the cancer had spread,” said Melissa.

When Austin returned to Phoebe, nurse Christelle Dawkins in the Oncology Unit exhibited a calm, patient demeanor and attentiveness. “She answered every call for pain medications, more blankets and anything we needed. Christelle made us feel like we were her only patient on the floor,” Melissa said.

The final part of their journey at Phoebe came under the care of hospice nurse Whitney Dale. “I didn’t have to do anything, Whitney had already done it by showing gentleness, love, compassion, and empathy in all she does. Austin was so glad she was with us in the end, and we all knew the care we received couldn’t get any better. Hospice nurses are angels from above,” Melissa said. Austin passed away on August 24, 2024.

The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in 2000 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who received extraordinary care from his nurses before he died of complications of an autoimmune disease at the age of 33. Phoebe is committed to recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary efforts of nurses year-round, but especially during National Nurses Week. To nominate a Phoebe nurse for a DAISY Award, visit https://phoebehealth.com/nursing/daisy-award/.

At a recent ceremony, the six nurses Melissa nominated were surprised to learn they were chosen as a group to receive the DAISY Award because of the impactful and unique ways each of them touched the Grubbs family.

“These nurses were God’s hands and feet on earth,” Melissa said. “They consistently went beyond the standard of care, laughed and cried with us, and made a lasting impact on Austin’s wellbeing. All of the nurses were selected because of their outstanding dedication, compassion, and exceptional care. It was the level of attentiveness and empathy that makes them truly exceptional. They each exemplify the very essence of what it means to be a nurse.”