The weight of the world seemed to settle on my shoulders in February 2025. After years of nagging sciatic pain, an MRI revealed a large presacral tumor at the S2 vertebrae. The news was a punch to the gut, amplified by the daunting reality that the VA, my healthcare provider, lacked a neurosurgical department. Suddenly, I was adrift, tasked with the impossible: finding a specialist and navigating a complex system while the specter of an undiagnosed tumor loomed large. For a veteran accustomed to the structured environment of the Marine Corps, the VA's labyrinthine bureaucracy felt overwhelming. Dozens of consults, endless paperwork, and the glacial pace of approvals threatened to swallow me whole. Then, Nicholas Stento entered the picture.

Nick, a nurse at the Binghamton VA clinic, wasn't just going through the motions. He possessed a deep understanding of the VA system, its intricacies, and, more importantly, its people. What set Nick apart was his proactive approach. He didn't wait for problems to arise; he anticipated them. Time and again, just as I braced myself for another bureaucratic snag, a call would come, Nick had already set the wheels in motion. He was a step ahead, clearing obstacles before they even fully materialized. Falling through the cracks simply wasn't an option under his watch. The relief I felt when the biopsy results came back, showing a benign schwannoma, was immense. Knowing that surgery would alleviate the constant pain was a beacon of hope. And I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that the speed and efficiency with which my case progressed, allowing me to reach this point, is a direct result of Nick's tireless efforts. Balancing his full-time duties with the sheer force of will he applied to my case speaks volumes about his personal investment in my well-being.

The VA has a reputation for bureaucratic delays and rigid processes. Yet, my experience at the Binghamton clinic, thanks to Nick and the entire team, has shattered those expectations. Their dedication has surpassed anything I've encountered in my years dealing with healthcare providers, both within the military and in the private sector. Nicholas Stento is more than just a nurse; he is a lifeline. His compassion and unwavering dedication have not only expedited my treatment but have also instilled in me a profound sense of confidence in my care team. Because of Nick, I face my upcoming surgery with hope and the unwavering belief that I am in the best possible hands. He has not just helped me navigate a challenging medical crisis; he has empowered me to look forward to a future with a better quality of life. Nicholas Stento embodies the true spirit of the DAISY Award, and I am eternally grateful for his extraordinary care.