I have known Judith for years. We share a common interest in helping people. She as the Nurse Practitioner/Manager of the Health Care for the Homeless program in Western MA and me as a housing professional. She never waivers in her commitment to ease the suffering of those without shelter and every day she treats patients at the "shelter of last resort" in Springfield MA. She also knows how frightened I am of all things medical and when I took a horrible fall last September, she personally took me in to the emergency room at Mercy Hospital and treated me with such dignity and managed to help me get through the most difficult experience (for me) imaginable. I see what she does both at her job and as a volunteer and I am so proud to know her.

Caryn was my lead nurse who cared for me during my cancer treatment last year. I am now cancer free thanks to her guidance in making sure that the doctors and team through her strong clinical and communication skills got me to where I am today. Originally she was responsible for setting up the cancer team at Harvard Vanguard. From the start she demonstrated compassion and positive reinforcement that I would make it through to good health. She even got me to my son's wedding and a vacation at the Cape. Through her astute knowledge, and directions, she got me through a tough battle. My love goes out to her and the staff at Harvard Vanguard. She always sent me home with a big hug.

Paula has been my nurse since I was born. I had a lot of surgeries when I was little and Paula always took care of me in the hospital. She taught my Mom and Dad how to take care of all my medical needs. Even when I came home from the hospital, she came to my house to be my nurse. I am now 15 years old and Paula still helps me and loves me. She came to Disney World with me when I was 4. She was my school nurse until I went to High School and she still comes to visit me. She always knows the right things to do and she never complains about how much work I can be. We have a lot of fun together and she takes me wherever I want to go. She is the BEST!!!

My nomination of Barbara stems from our very close relationship of over 29 days when my husband was a patient in Lawrence General Hospital ICU. Unfortunately he ultimately died, but through it all Barbara was most knowledgeable, compassionate, and efficient in all her treatment of both my husband and family. She carefully explained each procedure, kept us all aware of all developments, and most of all displayed real professionalism and comfort. No one could deserve this honor more.

Marcia H. is a staff nurse for our Mom who is blind with dementia. Marcia learned many details of Mom's life and talks frequently to Mom about her deceased family members. She talks to her about sports she played, her children, her friends, as though she's known her all her life. Mom loves to sing and dance, and Marcia sings and dances with her. She's also learned some German to say with her. Marcia is an alert clinician, pinpointing early stages of every illness Mom has had. She brings joy and excellent care to our Mom.

I would like to nominate Clare S. as a most special nurse. She has been my nurse in the oncology infusion unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital all year. She is kind, compassionate, upbeat and shows a constant interest in what is happening in my life. She went back to school to get her advanced degree at the Massachusetts School of Pharmacy so she could be more knowledgeable of all the treatments and their side effects. She also took a course at the hospital in counseling so she could understand all the personal traumas her patients are experiencing and be more able to help them. She is the best technical nurse in the unit and is constantly sought out by her peers when they are having difficulty. She comes, starts the IV, and never seems rushed or put out even though she also has a full patient assignment. For these and all the one-on-one time she has given me each visit, she has made a huge difference in my life.

I would like to take this opportunity to nominate Linda R. for the BostonWorks Salute to Nurses. I am a 4-year survivor of a very aggressive form of breast cancer. Most of the clinical care that I have received was/is from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. My surgical resume includes two mastectomies and a hysterectomy. Each of these procedures was done at Memorial Hospital, our local "small town" hospital.

During each procedure, (that last being in May of 2003) Linda was there during my registration, intake, and pre-op care. She made sure I understood each procedure and the risks involved, and resumed me about the safeguards that were in place.

Last May, I had a post-op allergic reaction to a medication I was receiving for pain control. Linda's ability to promptly identify the problem, communicate it to the surgeon and attending health care professionals, and to take the appropriate action needed to control the situation confirmed her high skill level.

Linda is a very gentle, talented, compassionate and spiritual person that has made a significant difference in my life. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

I have worked in health care for many years and I know what good nursing is. When I was hurt and needed care I was incredibly fortunate to be treated by Kerry. She is smart, energetic and asked the right questions. She identified my needs right away and made me feel like I was her only patient, no small feat! I am thrilled that someone of her caliber is working at my local hospital. I would not hesitate to leave any of my friends or family on her floor (Pratt 3 South) for care!

From the moment I first met Pat in my Oncologist's office at MGH, I knew that I was in the care of someone extraordinary. Pat has helped guide me through chemotherapy and radiation for a rare form of merkle cell cancer. Her spirit, warmth and compassion are beyond compare. My family lives on the west coast and she has always given me such strength, determination and courage to remain vital and healthy no matter what the status of my cancer. Thank you Pat. You'll never know the difference you have made for me during this time.

Annette has the kindest heart of any nurse I have ever met. The work she does with the children and families at The Shriner's Hospital is amazing. She gives each patient the most pertinent care and consideration. She also takes her work further by helping take care of sick family and friends. She has helped take care of my whole family and I can never thank her enough for all the work she does. She is an amazing person and we really love her!!!