Lauren was truly born to be a nurse; there is no doubt about it. She has chosen the perfect specialty and shines brightly in everything she does. Her compassion, understanding, advocacy, and ability to simply get things done made my entire nightmare easier to face.

From the very beginning of my diagnosis, I felt that she was in my corner. Lauren hand-selected my entire care team and made sure I felt comfortable with every member. During those early, overwhelming days. I met with so many people and was trying to absorb so much information. Lauren took the time to ensure that not only I understood everything, but that my husband did as well. She broke complex information into manageable pieces, held my hand when I needed comfort, and lifted me up when I needed strength.

What makes Lauren exceptional is the way she makes you feel. It’s not just a professional nurse-patient relationship; it feels like being cared for by a friend. Our office visits often felt like therapy sessions-safe spaces to cry, laugh, or vent. During my weekly chemotherapy treatments, Lauren continued to go above and beyond. She checked in regularly through messages and in-person visits, constantly asking what I needed.

Whether it was medications, fluids, or emotional support, she made it happen. If too much time passed without hearing from me, she would reach out, even sending late-night messages just to make sure I was okay. When I told her I was seeking a second opinion about my surgeon, she immediately supported me. She recommended another provider, arranged the appointment quickly, and did the same again when I needed a different plastic surgery team.

She never made me feel wrong or hesitant for wanting those second opinions. She understood my goals and helped me find the right doctors to achieve them. When I was worried about my second PET scan, Lauren once again went above and beyond. She offered to arrange a personal phone call with my oncologist so I could discuss my concerns directly. She also coordinated my follow-up scan quickly and made sure I had an in-person appointment with my oncologist to go over the results thoroughly.

Her attention, compassion, and commitment helped ease so much of the anxiety that comes with waiting for test results. Since my surgery in June, I’ve needed a bit less hand-holding, but Lauren still checks in regularly-asking how life is going, ensuring my treatments aren’t too harsh and that side effects are manageable. I truly cannot think of anyone more deserving of the DAISY Award. Lauren’s kindness, compassion, advocacy, and positive spirit embody everything this award represents. She is the heart of nursing and has made an incredible difference in my life.