Few sensations are as frightening as not being able to get enough air. The PHIL Award honors the unsung heroes in the respiratory therapy profession who understand that each breath matters.

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

Respiratory therapists in Eau Claire may be nominated for the award by a patient, visitor, volunteer or employee. It will be given annually to one respiratory therapist who has been nominated on the basis of professional excellence and compassion in the education and care of patients with pulmonary disease. 

Nominations are accepted throughout the year through an online nomination form.

Respiratory therapists who receive the award will be 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.

Sharman Lamka established the PHIL Award as part of The FACES Foundation after her husband, Philip C. Lamka, passed away from Interstitial Lung Disease. Sharman wanted to establish a way of acknowledging the valuable job respiratory therapists do.