Special to IFN
Lake Norman Regional Medical Center Nurse Shahbaz Almas has been recognized with the prestigious DAISY Foundation Award. Almas, who works in the Critical Care Unit, is the recipient of the DAISY Award for Second Quarter of 2025.
The DAISY Foundation’s goal is recognition for the efforts of extraordinary nurses.
Almas was recognized and presented the DAISY Award by Miranda Mathis-Harris, Interim Chief Nurse Operations, along with members of the Critical Care team, and joined by additional hospital leadership.
Mathis-Harris also presented Shahbaz with a certificate, a hand carved Healer’s Touch sculpture from Zimbabwe, a gift bag, daisies, and treats for his team that included cinnamon rolls and a large cake to share.
An excerpt from one of the many DAISY nominations for Almas submitted by a patient reads: “He has been so kind, patient, and caring. He takes the time to talk with us and explains everything in such great detail. So very thankful for him and all that he does.”
The DAISY Foundation, a not-for-profit organization based in Glen Ellen, Calif., was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at the age of 33 in 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation whose overall goal is to help fight diseases of the immune system. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and
Evidence-Based Practice Projects and provides assistance to ITP support groups. More information is available at www.DAISYfoundation.org.
About Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital
Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital offers comprehensive medical care to individuals throughout the greater Lake Norman region. Located just off Interstate 77 at Exit 33, the Mooresville medical campus offers complete specialty services from 24-hour emergency medicine and maternity to cardiology and advanced surgical services. For more information about the services offered at Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital, visit www.DukeHealth.org/Hospitals/Duke-Health-Lake-Norman-Hospital.