Gabby Lacayo, nurse assistant at McLaren Greater Lansing, was honored with the first BEE Award. The BEE award, which stands for “Be Extraordinary Every day,” was launched in 2025 to recognize health care team members who made an extraordinary difference in a patients care or overall experience.
The nomination, submitted by a patient, read as follows: “Gabby is an inspiration to me because of the excellent care she has given me. She is patient, polite, and so sweet. The care Gabby provided me had made me safe. The homemade blanket I received from the nursing team was so thoughtful and I feel blessed having met Gabby during a very traumatic experience when my left leg had to be amputated from the knee down. Gabby was a good sport with my ‘stuck on stupid’ humor and provided a listening ear during my periods of tearful moments.”
The nominator went on to say, “Thank you, Gabby, you made a difference in my hospital stay. I was not only your patient, but the care and attention you provided made me feel like I was a part of your family.”
Lacayo was recognized by hospital leadership and coworkers as she received a certificate commending her for “being extraordinary every day”. She received a pin, treats, and a sculpture that symbolizes care and comfort.
Lacayo has worked at McLaren Greater Lansing for two years and said she had sought after a position in health care after experiencing and watching medical staff care for her grandpa when he was ill. She is currently going to school to get her nursing degree.
“It feels amazing to be recognized,” said Lacayo. “It makes me feel like I’m doing something good and that I’m on the right path for my career. I just try to give the best care that I can for my patients and treat them like they are family.”
About the BEE Award
While nursing staff are often recognized with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the BEE Award was created to symbolize the exceptional care and services delivered by hospital team members outside of the nursing profession.
If you would like to recognize a McLaren Greater Lansing team member who has positively impacted your hospital visit, you can nominate them by visiting https://www.mclaren.org/lansing/bee-award-mclaren-greater-lansing.