PINEHURST, N.C. – Maranda Weeks, a registered nurse who cares for patients at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, is the most recent winner of FirstHealth’s DAISY Award, which recognizes nurses who go above and beyond to fulfill the system’s core purpose – To Care for People.
Weeks was nominated by the family member of a patient who spent several days at Moore Regional in January 2026.
“Maranda was fully aware of my aunt’s terminal condition and prognosis. She consistently demonstrated deep empathy, presence and kindness during an incredibly difficult time for our family,” the family member wrote in a nomination letter.
“Maranda opened her heart to us by sharing her own personal experience of losing her mother in 2020, which allowed her to truly understand the grief and heartache we were experiencing. On the final night of her shift, Maranda stayed with our family in my aunt’s room for well over an hour, simply to comfort and console us.”
Family Shares Gratitude for Compassionate Nursing Support
The family member said nursing is clearly Weeks’ calling. “Our family, and I am certain countless others, has been profoundly blessed by the care, compassion and love she gives to those entrusted to her care,” the family member said.
Shannon O’Neal, MSN R.N.-BC, Weeks’ manager on the Observation Specialty Unit, said Weeks consistently takes extra steps to make patients and families feel seen and cared for.
“Whether it is spending time comforting someone during a difficult moment or even going to the cafeteria or gift shop to buy a patient a special treat to brighten their day, Maranda continuously demonstrates what patient-centered care truly looks like,” O’Neal said.
“Her selflessness, attentiveness and heartfelt dedication leave a lasting impact on both her patients and team. Maranda is an incredible example of nursing excellence and compassion in action.”
About the DAISY Award
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses was established by the Daisy Foundation, a not-for-profit, based in Glen Ellen, Calif. The foundation was started by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, a little-known but not uncommon auto-immune disease.
The care Barnes and his family received from nurses inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patients’ families.
Today, there are more than 2,800 health care facilities in all 50 states and 17 other countries honoring their nurses with the DAISY Award.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas, which includes Moore Regional Hospital, Moore Regional Hospital – Richmond, Moore Regional Hospital – Hoke and Montgomery Memorial Hospital, is proud to celebrate Erin and all nurses who make a difference in the lives of those we serve every day.
Learn More or Nominate a Nurse
For more information on the DAISY Award, or to nominate a deserving nurse, visit FirstHealth’s website.
