Mary M., RN cared for my father, Ronald, on December 13th from 7am to 3pm. This was the only day that she cared for my father, but it was one of the most important days of our lives. My father was septic, in severe pain, and in retrospect he was dying. Mary was so kind to my father and to me and my husband. She was very warm and caring in the way she spoke with us and the way she cared physically for my father. She responded very quickly when he said that he was in pain, and she really believed that he was in pain. His comfort was her priority. I was so grateful that he was able to have a nurse like her on that day. My father passed away at about 7pm; soon after, Mary came in the room and gave me a hug as I sat on the bed still holding my father's hand. She wasn't even his nurse then and she still came in to comfort me. I will never forget her.

My mother, Rose, is in the Guardian Center nursing facility in Brockton, Massachusetts. She is 97 years old with severe dementia and has numerous compulsive habits and idiosyncrasies. One of her nurses, Susan E., is central to mom's care and explores different methods in dealing with her specific needs. Susan monitors my mother's care plan to ensure that "programs" are followed and her needs and preferences are satisfied on an on-going basis. Susan is an experienced and compassionate, loving nurse who should be recognized for her outstanding contribution to the Special Care Unit at the Guardian Center.

Jill N. is an in-patient Oncologist Nurse Practioner who has been caring for my 33 year old sister for the past 15 months. Jill has always been there for Jen -- we can e-mail her, call her, or even page her on a ferry to the Vineyard and she has always been there for Jen and us. Even though my sister has a poor prognosis, Jill always explains everything to us, using incredible sensitivity and care. She has arranged in-home nursing care for Jen, and will have a wheelchair, a pad, or whatever Jen needs to be comfortable delivered overnight. She has made this difficult time for us somewhat easier because of her incredible nursing skills. Even though her job often brings much sadness, Jill finds pleasure in helping every patient and their family be comfortable.

While the whole staff was excellent, I have to say that Bridget went the extra mile to help me with a very extensive prostate cancer surgery recovery. She was very attentive, carried a smile and made sure I was cared for before she left her shift. She was extraordinary in her clinical and psychological care. In addition, when I was discharged, she came by after her shift at curbside and waited with me until my girlfriend got the car. Please consider her for this award. Thank you very much.

Frances undertook the task of caring for her mother at home during a terminal illness. She organized her 7 brothers and sisters into teams to stay with their mother at home during the final days of her illness. She utilized her skills as a hospice nurse to instruct others in terminal patient care. She is a model nurse whose compassion and selflessness enabled her mother to die at home surrounded by her family and friends.

Words cannot clearly articulate what Wendy, personally and professionally, did for our family and particularly for our mother during the last several years of her life. Her constant attention to our mother and her needs every time my mother went for treatment was professional, calming and most importantly sincere. Wendy made not only our mother comfortable during her last few months, but our family as well. Advocating is what Wendy did best. Wendy constantly made sure that whatever type of service our mother asked for, no matter how small, was received. She, unknowingly, always made our mother's appointments at St. Elizabeth's much more manageable.

Annette was truly the most caring, kind, and compassionate person anyone could have had for a nurse. She handled my case during chemotherapy and radiation, which was a very tough treatment plan that lasted for 11 months. She was always right on top of things, gave her time, love, and great expertise to me as she did many of the children in oncology. She worked from 7am until 9 pm some days, because she was so dedicated to every patient. She was truly wonderful.

While I was at MassGeneral, Corin, Maryanne, Kristin, and Courtney demonstrated the most pleasant attitude, and could not do enough for me, regarding medical needs, diet, comfort, and happiness, even during the most busy times. She made my stay a positive memory.