I am a 78-year-old Cowboy from Idaho and Montana. I took on the meanest, nastiest steers as a Steer Wrestler when I was a teenager! That may be one of the reasons that I needed the recent back surgery that I had at Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. I also have stage IV Cancer that I have been fighting since December 2010. Through this Cancer journey, I have developed a fear of needles and the fear of not knowing what to anticipate next (health-wise) for myself. The very first nurse I met at Kootenai Health PACU was Mark. I think he sensed my fear, and we started to talk about my journey. He patiently listened to my story. Mark then told me that I did not have to be afraid of the needles, the IV, or the surgery. He explained what would happen during and after my surgery, answering every question that my family and I had. He was so confident and self-assured that I felt his self-confidence come upon me, and I knew I could get through this. Mark said he would be checking in on me, and guess what... he did. Mark had a great sense of humor, and he was so understanding, caring, and compassionate that I felt I was a part of his family and not just another patient to care for. It is with much gratitude and a giant tip of my cowboy hat that I nominate Mark for the DAISY Award.