Chelsea Howard loves nursing. 

“Getting to built trust and relationships with my patients and their families is the ultimate reason I do this,” Howard said.

Spartanburg Regional Foundation named Howard the Jo Ann McMillan Outstanding Nurse of the Year for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System in May.

Howard was one of five nurses across the system recognized as part of the national DAISY Award program during a ceremony at the Foundation.

A $1,500 award from the Foundation went to one DAISY winner for each facility, while Howard received an additional $1,500 for being the systemwide winner. Winners were chosen through a selection committee after patients and colleagues nominated them in 2025.

“There were so many amazing nurses nominated for this award. To know that I made that big of an impact is just heartwarming to me,” Howard said after winning award. 

Read about each of the award winners below based on their nominations:

Chelsea Howard, Union Medical Center

In one of life’s most terrifying moments, when a daughter rushed to the emergency room after learning her father had been brought in by ambulance with chest pain, Chelsea Howard did more than step in as a nurse—she became a source of reassurance, clarity and human connection.

From the very first interaction, Chelsea set the tone. With a calm smile and steady confidence, she introduced herself not just as a caregiver, but as someone who would provide exceptional care. And she did exactly that. Beyond coordinating with physicians, she took the time to sit beside the family, patiently explaining what was happening and ensuring they truly understood. She recognized the anxiety in the room and met it with empathy.

Drawing from her own experiences as a daughter, Chelsea connected on a deeply personal level—sharing stories, offering humor and reminding them that even in crisis, they were not alone. Her belief that kindness, compassion and even a simple smile can make a difference was evident in every interaction.

For this family, Chelsea transformed an overwhelming and frightening experience into one marked by trust, comfort and dignity. Her care extended far beyond clinical excellence—she delivered the kind of human-centered compassion that defines extraordinary nursing.

Catie Moore, Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care

For one patient facing the devastating effects of cancer, Catie Moore saw beyond the illness to the person beneath. A 48-year-old woman, frail, losing her hair and struggling with deep sadness, confided in Catie through tears. What followed was an act of compassion that would leave a lasting impact far beyond her final days.

After her shift, Catie went out and purchased scarves—simple, thoughtful gifts aimed at restoring a sense of dignity and identity. The next morning, she gently shaved the patient’s remaining hair and wrapped her head in a pink leopard print scarf she had carefully chosen.

The transformation was immediate and profound. For the first time since her admission, the patient smiled—truly smiled—and shared that she finally felt like herself again.

This moment was not about the scarves. It was about being seen, heard and valued. Just days later, the patient passed away, but she did so having experienced compassion that eased her suffering and reminded her she mattered.

Catie Moore’s ability to listen, to act and to care so deeply exemplifies nursing at its most meaningful—bringing dignity, comfort and humanity to those who need it most.

Sherry Holt, Cherokee Medical Center

At 82 years old, recovering from major surgery and battling a serious infection, one patient found not only treatment, but a “beam of sunshine” in nurse Sherry Holt.

What began as a routine hospital stay quickly became something more meaningful through Sherry’s attentive and compassionate care. Whether walking with the patient during recovery, ensuring treatments were delivered comfortably, or responding quickly to every need, Sherry’s presence was constant and reassuring.

She approached each interaction with warmth and positivity, making both the patient and her family feel supported and informed. Her smile, her laughter and her dedication transformed what could have been a difficult and stressful experience into one of comfort and trust.

In a time when genuine connection can feel rare, Sherry stood out as someone who truly cares—not just about outcomes, but about people. Her kindness left a lasting impression, reminding everyone around her of the difference one nurse can make.

Rachel Wall, Spartanburg Medical Center

When one family faced the unimaginable—learning that a loved one would not survive—Rachel Wall became a steady, compassionate presence during their darkest hours.

From the start, Rachel demonstrated a rare combination of clinical confidence and heartfelt empathy. She took time to explain every step of care, ensuring the patient and her sister understood what was happening and why. But what truly set Rachel apart was her care for the family as much as for the patient.

Recognizing exhaustion and emotional strain, Rachel stepped in with quiet determination—bringing water, encouraging hydration and gently insisting the patient’s sister care for herself. When she realized the sister was alone in her grief, Rachel went a step further—calling her husband and urging him to return so that she wouldn’t have to carry the burden alone.

It was a simple but powerful act of advocacy that spoke volumes.

Rachel not only delivered exceptional clinical care, but she also saw the unseen—grief, exhaustion and vulnerability—and responded with unwavering compassion. For this family, her presence brought comfort, strength and the feeling of not being alone in an incredibly painful moment.

Ashley Starkey, Pelham Medical Center

Late one night, as an 88-year-old patient struggled to settle her nerves, Ashley Starkey responded not with medication or routine care—but with a deeply personal act of kindness that would be remembered forever.

When asked if she had ever sung to her own children, Ashley softly replied yes. Then came an unexpected request: Would you sing to me?

Without hesitation, Ashley did.

She gently sang “A Bicycle Built for Two,” offering comfort through a simple, heartfelt gesture. In that moment, she wasn’t just a nurse—she was a source of peace, familiarity and love. The song evoked memories of a lifetime, bringing calm to a patient facing a difficult diagnosis.

For the patient’s family, the impact was profound. The melody became a lasting tribute—forever tied to Ashley’s compassion and the extraordinary care she provided.

Ashley’s willingness to go beyond traditional care and connect on such a human level transformed an ordinary moment into something unforgettable. It is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest healing comes not from medicine, but from kindness.