The PHIL Award (Pulmonary Health and Illnesses of the Lungs) was established by The FACES Foundation to recognize outstanding respiratory therapists who provide care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses.

Sharman Lamka established The PHIL Award as part of The FACES Foundation after her husband, Philip C. Lamka, passed away from an Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). Sharman wanted to establish a way of acknowledging the valuable role that respiratory therapists play in the lives of patients with life- threatening pulmonary illnesses.

The PHIL Award honors the ‘unsung heroes’ in the respiratory therapy profession who understand that each breath matters. Upstate University Hospital takes pride in implementing The PHIL Award program to honor respiratory therapists.

How will Recipients be Recognized?

PHIL Award recipients are presented a certificate of recognition and the Appreciation Sculpture, adapted by artist MK Shannon specifically for The FACES Foundation. The sculpture represents the appreciation patients and their family members have for respiratory therapists that work hard to help them breathe easier.

Along with the sculpture, information about the recipient and why they were selected will be displayed at University Hospital.

To learn more about The FACES Foundation and The PHIL Award, visit their website: www.TheFACESFoundation.org.