For 33 years, Lagaytha LeWallen has been a source of comfort and healing for countless patients. This September, her unyielding dedication was recognized as she received her fifth DAISY Award at Midland Memorial Hospital. This remarkable achievement was celebrated with a special platinum pin, a unique honor symbolizing her legacy of compassionate care.

A West Texas native raised in Midland, LeWallen’s calling to nursing started early. "My mother always knew I would be a nurse because all my pets had dressings on them," she shared with a smile. This childhood instinct to care for others blossomed into a lifelong career dedicated to helping people in their most vulnerable moments. Today, she serves as a wound/ostomy nurse in the medical-surgical division, where her expertise and warmth leave a lasting impact.

The award was presented in a surprise ceremony on the 8th floor of the hospital, where leadership gathered to celebrate her. Kit Bredimus, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President, presented LeWallen with gifts from the DAISY Foundation, while Jessica Tully, Director of the Medical/Surgical Division, applauded her achievement.

The nomination that captured the hearts of the DAISY Committee painted a vivid picture of her impact. It described LeWallen as an "absolute earthly angel who is very skilled, compassionate and patient." The nomination came from a family whose loved one underwent a partial colectomy, a life-changing event filled with uncertainty.

The family wrote, "Lagaytha eased our anxieties and actually made wound care... an entertaining as well as an educational event." They praised her patience and her ability to teach them how to manage care at home, noting she was never rushed and always took the time to answer questions and offer encouragement.

One powerful moment in the nomination highlighted a critical situation where other staff struggled with a procedure. The patient, feeling unsafe, insisted, "Stop! Please call Lagaytha." LeWallen not only resolved the issue but also took the time to gently mentor the other nurse, demonstrating her commitment to teamwork and education. "Lagaytha's example of compassion, teaching and mentorship will be a lasting legacy for nurses and aides trained under her for decades," the nomination concluded.

For LeWallen, this level of care is simply part of her philosophy. "I don't think you can teach compassion," she explained. "I believe what we do is experience and observe compassion. We see how we want to be." Her advice to fellow nurses is rooted in this belief: "Treat your patients how you would want to be treated or how you would want your family to be treated. Enjoy what you do and try to do it to the best of your abilities. Start each day with a smile."

This positive outlook is her daily motivation. "I hope that I leave sunshine in every room I walk into, no matter what the circumstances," she said.

The DAISY Award is a world-wide program that recognizes extraordinary nurses for their clinical skill and compassionate care. At Midland Health, it reflects the organization's core mission to lead the community to better health. Lagaytha LeWallen’s career is a shining example of this mission in action, showcasing how one person’s dedication can uplift patients, inspire colleagues, and build a stronger, healthier community.