I am honored to nominate Michele Wilcox for the DAISY Award in recognition of her extraordinary leadership, compassion, and advocacy for patient well-being, not just in a clinical setting, but in a deeply human and life-saving way. While serving in her role as an LPN at the McAlester Family Practice Clinic, Michele went above and beyond the expectations of her position to help me safely navigate an incredibly dangerous and traumatic situation as a survivor of domestic violence. Her actions reflect the core of the Choctaw Nation, a deep commitment to the health, safety, and empowerment of Native people, especially the most vulnerable.
When I confided in her about my experience as a domestic violence victim, Michele responded not only with empathy but with action. She offered judgment-free support and immediately began advocating for my children and me. Although my needs extended beyond the scope of her clinical role, she used her knowledge of the broader Choctaw Nation system to connect me to essential services and programs within Choctaw Nation that I didn’t know were available, facilitate contact with key people and resources that enabled me to safely leave the abusive environment with my children, and provide emotional support, encouragement, and assurance that I was not alone, all while continuing to care for me in a professional medical context. Her work directly led to a safe and stable outcome for my family and me. Her ability to bridge the gap between healthcare and social support systems is a testament to her leadership, resourcefulness, and deep cultural understanding.
Michele exemplifies fighting for better health outcomes, equity, and dignity for Native people in her everyday work. She embodies patient-centered care, treating the whole person, mind, body, and circumstances, not just symptoms. She took initiative outside of formal duties to ensure I had access to critical, life-changing resources. She demonstrates the values of integrity, service, and empowerment that this award was created to recognize.
Michele Wilcox is a quiet but powerful leader whose work has changed lives, including mine. Her actions not only reflect the highest standards of nursing care but also exemplify the heart and legacy of the DAISY Award. I wholeheartedly and gratefully nominate her for this Award.