I nominate Ann Williams from the Winchester Medical Center Diabetes Management Department for the DAISY Award. Over the past few months, Ann was my insulin pump therapist giving me support and guiding me through my first pregnancy as a Type I diabetic. When I first met Ann, I knew she was a different kind of nurse. She exhibited expertise in her field as well as compassion for her patients. I have been a diabetic for 20 years and have had many pump therapists. Some were good and some not so good, but none exceeded my expectations as Ann Williams did. Ann was able to explain why she made the changes she did in support of my pump therapy showing exceptional knowledge of her subject matter. She had a genuine concern for my diabetic health and the health of my baby all-the-while guiding my treatment in a positive direction to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. The knowledge she has provided will continue to assist me through my life, which is the real goal of any remarkable medical practitioner.

As an example of some of her extraordinary services, she was in continual email and phone contact with me, often after hours and on weekends. She was able to help me make so many insulin pump changes without delay and on such short notice that my blood sugars were in constant control resulting in my last HBA1C of 5.0. If I were told this goal was achievable prior to knowing Ann, I would’ve disagreed, hereby proving the degree of effectiveness her services were to the success of my pregnancy and the health of my baby. She also made herself available for round-the-clock contact during my labor and delivery. As I delivered my daughter via a 2am Emergency Cesarean Section, my husband and I called Ann to ensure proper insulin delivery during my unscheduled surgery. It was a relief to have Ann on the other end of the phone ensuring that the diabetes plan of action that she and I had put in place was correct. The fact that Ann answered our early morning phone call gave my husband and me the peace of mind we needed allowing us to switch focus from my diabetes to the birth of our daughter. Making herself available for questions and care any time of day is the work of a true professional.

Through the months of her assistance, I grew to accept Ann, not only as a knowledgeable practicing professional, but as a trusted friend. She was able to give me positive emotional feedback, letting me know that I was doing a very good job controlling my diabetes and that she understands the hardships of maintaining such tight control.

As I am a manager of a small group of engineers, I understand how important it is to honor those who put forth more than their fair share. If Ann were a part of my team, I would elect her for a similar award honoring her abilities to go above and beyond what is expected of her. As a woman, I am blessed to have such a mentor to answer all of the emotional questions during my pregnancy. And, as a patient, I’m proud to say she was my nurse and that she is the best I’ve ever had.