This family encountered a horrific tragedy by losing their 25-year-old son to an unfortunate trauma leaving him brain dead. Through the days leading to organ donation, Eric was compassionate and supportive through an unthinkable situation for anyone of us. As the events of donation occurred, Eric read a family statement to the teams who participated in the donation process in the operating room and filmed the statement for the family to view (all HIPPA compliance was maintained). This gesture alone will make any healthcare provider wear their tears on their sleeves, one of the most beautiful scenes of saying goodbye. The walk of honor to the operating room, the ER even participated in on behalf of Eric's request. The last compelling gesture Eric provided as they said their goodbyes was to pay out of his own pocket to get an Uber for the family back to the hotel where all five of them were staying. No hesitation, just paid for the car to take them safely back to the hotel. I know families touch us in many different ways, and nurses do not hesitate to take the extra mile. The constant gestures he gave that day will be a career memory for life.
Loving the Compassion NTICU brings.