We all have dreams of what we want to be when we “grow up.” Carol Merck-Papp’s dream did not come true until she was an adult. As the young mother of 3 small children, Carol found herself caring for her husband who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Over a two-year period of time, Carol saw that she could make a positive difference in her husband’s life through not only the physical care and advocacy she provided but also much needed emotional support. It was in the last month of Steve’s life that Carol knew what she would do with the rest of her life. After a tremendous family adjustment to the loss of her spouse, Carol enrolled in a program to become a registered nurse….she would become an oncology nurse (the only positive effect of her husband’s death). In a calm, focused, and comforting way Carol has cared for cancer patients at Shadyside Hospital for the past 12 years.. She has been recognized as one of our nursing leaders, having served as a unit director, obtaining certification as an Oncology Registered Nurse and running the Beckwith Center at Hillman Cancer Center. Carol Merck-Papp has become Shadyside’s proud first recipient of the Daisy Award in recognition of her outstanding compassionate care at the bedside and leadership in the care of Shadyside’s cancer patients.