I am a longstanding employee of UMass (began working Feb 1985!) I have seen many examples of exemplary nursing over the years. I now have a personal story that prompted this nomination.

My Dad has anemia and has had bloodwork +/- transfusions every Wednesday for the last 2+ years. Laurie has become his primary nurse over this time, but more importantly, a friend to him. She was there weekly when my Dad shared with her that my Mom was diagnosed with mesothelioma and, in a brief six months, had progressively declined and then passed away. It hasn't been easy for him to have to spend multiple hours every Wednesday at the hospital, but the continuity of the appointment day and the consistency of his nurse was definitely helpful.

Needless to say, over that time, Laurie would sit with him to provide moral support, especially during our difficult family journey. He left there weekly with an encouraging comment on his After Visit Summary from her! When my Mom passed, we celebrated her life with a Wake and Funeral. Going above and beyond, Laurie Budnick attended the Wake AND spent the afternoon at the Funeral on her day off! And then, just as poignantly as her presence as a show of support, she followed that up with a beautifully written card to our family. She doesn't know this, but her card is still on display as one of the most beautiful sympathy cards he/we received! What a gift to have a caregiver be so caring and supportive on a weekly basis in a work environment, and then have the connection with a patient to demonstrate the personal connection they made and to be there in presence and support when my family's world changed forever. Her caring nature is exemplary. She may not know how much she has meant to my Dad and to our family. I feel this embodies the DAISY Award and beyond. Thank you, Laurie Budnick, for being who you are! Forever grateful for you.