I am a person who had been healthy my entire life until I received a phone call from a stranger advising that my biopsy showed malignant cancer. I was literally in a state of shock. I was referred to an oncology surgeon who scheduled surgery and removed the tumor. The unknown was my biggest fear, and I was at a total loss, not knowing how to act, feel, or be. It was then that I met my nurse navigator, Lindsay.

From that moment on, she and the doctor made my life bearable and walked me through every step. Her presence alone is very calming and reassuring, her manner of speaking and relating to others is above an beyond. She has an innate way of knowing what you need when even you don't. Lindsay has all the exceptional qualities of many nurses (skill, expertise, compassion, efficiency, and professionalism in a very caring and supportive way).

I truly believe that I may not have gotten through this past month without her making me a priority in her very busy life. I have treatment ahead of me, and I know that I will be able to count on her continued support. If the meaning of The DAISY Award means they are extraordinary in the impact they have on compassionate patient care, then in my opinion, there is no better candidate than Lindsay Irrgang. Thank you for listening!