I have known Ms. Cristy Ballagh, Registered Nurse, for about a year and a half. I am a combat Veteran who was permanently disabled and diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cancer, in November 2023. It was a tough and trying time for me, and the future held many unknowns, as well as questions about the continuation of life itself. I was immediately under the care and guidance of the liver transplant coordinator, Ms. Cristy Ballagh, RN. She has been so kind and concerned about me as a patient. I do not think any nurse has been more attentive.

She served as my point of contact to reach my hepatologist and provided necessary documents, such as letters for my designated support persons to be relieved of jury duty, as they may need to accompany me. She provided comfort and reassurance like no one else or perhaps even could during this low point in my life. Ms. Ballagh coordinated all the initially required testing, assessments, and procedures, which were accomplished quickly, accurately, and with precision. Within the span of about a month, Ms. Ballagh tightly scheduled dozens of appointments in various clinics. I do not know how she did it, as routine appointments in these clinics often take months, if not longer. My visits to the VA Medical Center were efficient due to her scheduling skills. Ms. Ballagh built a package of all the results of my testing and assessments. Everyone in the clinics I came in contact with knew and favorably commented on Ms. Ballagh’s effort on behalf of her patients. My package was completed quickly and then forwarded to the Liver Transplant Center in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Nashville. There, I would be considered for a liver transplant, the only viable option left for me.

After essentially being handed off to Nashville, they took control of my application. When I reported to Nashville for their requirements, I heard positive comments from providers about how quickly and thoroughly Ms. Ballagh prepared what the Liver Transplant Center needed. Nothing required repeating in Nashville to complete my package. Her efforts also minimized the time required in Nashville and the number of appointments in their clinics. I was accepted for a liver transplant, and in February 2025, I received that much-awaited telephone call in the early morning hours that a donor liver was available for me. Off to Nashville I went, and I had a successful liver transplant! My new liver has restored my long-lost vigor and energy, and I feel so great. I had many plans for the future which dimmed following my cancer diagnosis but now they seem to be restored and possible again.

There are many people to thank for my care in the process of receiving a liver transplant, but there are key people who truly made a difference in making the transplant possible. I am proud to say that Ms. Ballagh was the first person to do so. My application for a liver transplant was provided to the Nashville VAMC as quickly, thoroughly, and completely as possible. That enabled Nashville to get me on the liver transplant registry quickly, and 270 days later, my liver was available. I have been under the care of the VA Medical Center at Mountain Home for about 30 years. I have extensive experience in the healthcare system. I know firsthand what exemplary care looks like when I see and experience it. It is with pride and honor to nominate Ms. Cristy Ballagh, Registered Nurse, Liver Transplant Coordinator, for a DAISY Award. Ms. Ballagh reflects exemplary credit upon herself, her work center, the Veterans Health Administration, and her nursing corps profession.