Robert Cunningham, a registered nurse in the nonprofit hospital’s Cath Lab, was nominated for recognition by a patient, said hospital officials. In the nomination, the patient wrote, “I had Robert as a nurse for my pacemaker procedure. He explained everything that was going to happen and helped me feel calm. If he did this for me, I’m sure he has done it for many others.”

Cunningham, of Springfield, has worked at Springfield Memorial Hospital since 2006.

Katie deMarco, an oncology certified registered nurse in the Cancer Care Center, was nominated by a patient who called deMarco “the best thing that’s happened to me [since diagnosis] … She is a gift from God. She has given me a new outlook on compassion and humanity. I will never forget her.”

DeMarco, of Springfield, has worked at Springfield Memorial Hospital since 2002.

Jessy Kokkat, a registered nurse in the Dialysis unit, was also nominated by a patient who credits Kokkat with restoring the patient’s faith to achieve life goals despite any medical setbacks. In the nomination, the patient said, “Jessy has been a positive influence and a light in my stay here.”

Kokkat, of Chatham, started working at Springfield Memorial Hospital in 1992.

The nonprofit DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of an autoimmune disease. They were inspired to create the DAISY Award because of the care nurses provided to Barnes and his family during his illness.