My name is Ed. I have been employed at Lahey Clinic for 24 years, or as I like to put it for "half of my years on earth." I am currently the chief perfusionist for the Cardiothoracic Surgery department. I have never nominated anyone for anything and probably never will again. However, I am taking the time today to request that you consider Pamela Straube RN for the DAISY Award.

Pam has been involved at Lahey Clinic in several nursing capacities over the past 20 some odd years. Pam's professional growth and advancement here at Lahey did not come easy. Starting as a scrub technician and advancing to the operating room team leader position for the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Services, Pam has overcome numerous challenges along the way. During her time here, Pam has advanced her education and currently holds a bachelor's degree in health management. In addition, Pam has completed the necessary work to become an RN first assist in the operating room. This was done at a time in an environment that was not particularly inviting to this type of activity. Never the less, Pam pushed forward with this pursuit and currently is a valuable asset in this role. Clinically, Pam is excellent. She is both an educational resource and a technical expert in her domain. Pam always stands up for what she feels is best for the patients in her care. Sometimes these decisions are not popular. Sometimes these decisions create more work for others. Still, Pam is holds fast to what she knows is the right thing to do.

There are many excellent nurses walking among us here at Lahey. Personal best and excellence is expected from all of us. That is only part of what is needed in order to become a truly extraordinary care giver. Pam's impact on healthcare reaches far beyond the walls of Lahey Clinic. I have had the opportunity to work with Pam on three continents. The charitable work we have been involved with in South America and Africa has opened my eyes as to what a truly excellent nurse, care giver and citizen Pam is. If you have ever been involved with a large scale medical mission, you know that the work starts months or even years before the event. There are countless hours of preparation, negotiation with vendors for donations and a sea of logistical challenges to work through. It would be much easier to walk away. Pam stays the course. Personal time is of great value to all of us. Pam elects to donate a great deal of her personal time to helping those who have no access to advanced health care. Once on site, it is easy to see Pam shine. Taking a scared, non-English speaking child from the arms of a parent and returning a child who has a new lease on life is a noble task. The look of relief and gratitude on the faces of the family members is reward enough for Pam. Pam goes about this business quietly, both here at home and around the world. Pam is truly one of God's soldiers.

Pam has several professional and personal challenges during her years here at Lahey. I believe that through these experiences she has development a love for caring for those in need and a humble appreciation for what she has to offer them. Her interactions with families and patients here at Lahey reflect this quality.

If you dig deep enough, you will come to find out that Pam and I have a love hate relationship often enjoyed by siblings. We do not always see things the same way and disagree over some of the petty things that effect our day. If you dig a bit deeper, you will find that I can always rely on Pam and trust her without limits. I would place any of my loved ones in her care without reservation.

In closing, Pam Straube is most deserving of the DAISY Award both by virtue of her patient care here at Lahey Clinic and abroad as well as her deep appreciation for how excellent, compassionate care impacts all of us.