I would like to thank my nurse, Ingar, by nominating her for the DAISY Award and sharing why I believe this nurse and extraordinary human being is so special. Almost a year ago, I discovered an open wound on my lower right leg and immediately went to urgent care, where my quest to find out about the factors leading to this medical crisis could be addressed. Additionally, somewhere between a return visit to urgent care and the hospital emergency room, I contracted COVID-19 and was forced to resolve all matters revolving around that issue before addressing the leg.

After recovering from COVID-19, I began my journey to close the wound on my leg and return to my preferred physical activity, swimming, as soon as possible. I was referred to a dermatologist, who sent me to an infectious disease doctor, who sent me to a vein specialist, who immediately scheduled me for vein surgery. After seven months of pills, potions, pain, sleepless nights, and hundreds of dollars spent on bandages, gauze, saline and other self-directed wound care products, and vein surgery, I was referred to the wound clinic at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, where I met Dr. S and her trusted sidekick, nurse Ingar. After an extensive examination and measurements of my wound, Dr. S and Ingar presented me with an extensive and intensive treatment plan that would require me to report to Ingar twice weekly, initially, for compression wrap and wound, foot, and leg care/ cleaning. In addition, I was given instructions on how to care for myself at home.

From the beginning, I knew that Ingar was committed to getting me, literally, “back on my feet and back in the swimming pool” as soon as humanly possible. By the way, I also discovered during my healing journey that a possible contributing factor to my wound’s inability to heal was bacteria levels in the swimming pool, as a result I have not been allowed to swim since April of 2023. Not surprisingly, I have gained a few additional pounds, which places more pressure on my legs and internal organs. Ingar has suggested that I consider other low-impact activities, like stretching and walking until I can return to the pool.

After three months of bi-weekly and/or weekly care sessions where I watched this nurse provide me with the highest level of care, compassion, encouragement, empowerment, kindness, and treatment, my leg is 99.5% healed, and my self-esteem and soul are still intact. Proudly, I never missed or rescheduled a single appointment, and trust me, that alone is a miracle, given my busy schedule as a life coach, mentor, trainer, consultant, entrepreneur, and educator. During our time together, Ingar missed one of our sessions due to some much-needed and well-deserved vacation time during the holiday season, and even then, she left clear and detailed instructions for other staff members regarding how to care for me. Her attention to detail, ability to anticipate potential challenges, and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty are commendable. I am so glad that Ingar came into my life and helped me navigate one of the most challenging and difficult phases of my over three-score life journey. Ingar is an exceptional Nurse, an amazing human being, and a kind and gentle soul, and for these and other reasons, I am honored and proud to nominate her for the DAISY Award.