It is with immense pleasure that I write to you today to nominate Caitlin Bellissimo and "LH" for the LIJMC DAISY Award. I cannot think of better candidates who exude compassion, teamwork, and exemplary performance, everything that the DAISY Award represents, and so much more. "L" and Caitlin are both critical care nurses in the cardiothoracic ICU. "L" joined the CTICU team in 2018, while Caitlin joined in 2016. Both nurses displayed exceptional clinical skills early on in their careers and have become leaders on the unit by joining various councils and committees and taking the role of charge and associate fellow. In 2020, CTICU, along with the rest of LIJ and the rest of the world, was hit with COVID. Through challenging times, "L" and Caitlin recognized that there was an opportunity to do more. Not just for the patients and families we were serving every day, but an opportunity to do more for each other. Together, "L" and Caitlin developed a unit council for wellness. They identified themselves as wellness champions and immediately got to work planning and creating moments for self-reflection and healing amongst the staff. During the height of COVID, Caitlin and "L" helped to coordinate 5-minute mindful meditation sessions. This was an opportunity for staff to gather for a few minutes to unwind and follow guided mediation. These moments were highly cherished in what was otherwise a demanding shift dealing with everything that came with this pandemic. Once the surge of the pandemic normalized, Caitlin and "L" continued their efforts to include more unit-based activities. In the past two years, Caitlin and "L" have organized peloton rides, outdoor hikes, guided meditation sessions, stress management workshops, and reiki sessions for all staff. They have provided numerous resources to their peers, including helpful numbers and hotlines, including a number that staff can call to which they are greeted by a kindergartener offering sage advice and words of encouragement. They purchased an oil diffuser and a portable massage gun for the unit. They created a "word of the month" in which they would post a word that staff could reflect and focus on throughout the month. Some examples include worthiness and magic. These words of affirmation help staff to remember and reflect on all the positive things they do. They have also organized potlucks and taco nights. In an effort to ensure they were reaching all staff members, "L" and Caitlin created a wellness bulletin board that sits right next to the clean supply room, a heavily trafficked area. This board includes Q.R. codes for wellness resources, a list of upcoming wellness events, and our popular mosaic that staff from all units come to take turns coloring in. I could speak endlessly about the wellness efforts that "L" and Caitlin have created that have helped to boost morale, support comradery, and create a healthy work environment for all. I am truly inspired and proud to work with this talented team of wellness champions. They work so selflessly and tirelessly to ensure their team members are well cared for. They make a powerful difference and truly embody the meaning of the DAISY Award.