MALONE — Employees and patients alike at University of Vermont Health – Alice Hyde Medical Center recently celebrated Laura Rizzo Bracey for her career marked by compassion, clinical excellence and an unwavering commitment to treating every patient as a whole person.
In recognition of Bracey’s dedication, she was honored with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, a prestigious honor presented by The DAISY Foundation to recognize nurses who have devoted their life’s work to compassionate, exemplary patient care and to advancing the nursing profession.
It is one of the highest forms of recognition a nurse can receive within the DAISY program and is bestowed to recipients based on nominations from patients and coworkers.
One nominator summarized her impact simply: “She not only sees you as a patient, but as a person.” That sentiment echoes throughout every story shared in her honor.
After 15 years of service to the community at Tower Health Center in St. Regis Falls, Bracey has retired, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped patients, families and colleagues. Throughout her career, she was known for her ability to “meet patients where they are,” both medically and emotionally. Patients consistently described her as a trusted provider who listened deeply, followed through meticulously and never gave up on finding answers, especially in complex or hard‑to‑diagnose cases. Her thoughtful referrals, careful follow‑up and determination earned her a reputation for clinical excellence and advocacy.
Many patients have shared stories of her caring for multiple generations of families and supporting them through some of life’s most difficult moments, including serious illnesses, loss and grief. Her compassion, accessibility and genuine interest in their lives fostered deep trust and lasting relationships.
In accepting the award, Bracey reflected on the trust placed in her by both her patients and the organization, emphasizing her work was only possible because of the dedicated colleagues who worked alongside her. She described Alice Hyde Medical Center as “uniquely special” and expressed deep gratitude for the patients and teams she served throughout her career.
“As Laura begins her well-earned retirement, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence, empathy and service. She will be remembered for the countless lives she touched,” AHMC Chief Nursing Officer Becca Shutts said.