M was a 15 year old patient that was treated in Critical Care in 2012. M was swimming laps in the pool with a friend and had a severe asthma attack under water, which in turn, caused him to stop breathing and go into cardiac arrest. M's friend called 9-1-1 and performed CPR until the paramedics arrived. M was treated in the Critical Care Unit for some time. He was on the hypothermia protocol, which cools the body temperature down to 93 degrees in order to save brain function. After many days of treatment, Michael Andringa was the nurse to take M off of sedation, and M opened his eyes and saw Michael for the first time. Michael was M's nurse in the Critical Care Unit a few times before M was transferred to another unit. Michael, then, was floated to the unit M was on and was so happy to see how well he was doing and even took care of M for a shift. The two were very happy to see each other.

M has now graduated from Canyon High School and he was so moved by the care he received with his near death experience that he wants to pursue a career in nursing. M is planning on doing his nursing pre-requisites at College of the Canyons and then applying to Nursing School.

M met with his caregivers including the LA County Fire Department, ER staff and Critical Care Nurses, but he especially wanted to meet Michael whom he looks up to as a role model and is part of the reason for wanting to become a Registered Nurse.

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Michael's warm spirit and caring ways make him a favorite among patients. Michael is always assigned the "tough" patients who need the extra TLC. Michael is always going the extra mile and being recognized by families and patients for his help and caring.

Michael has challenged himself to learn new skills in ICU such as neuro trauma patients and intra-aortic balloon pump and is a tremendous help to his peers. Everyone enjoys working with Michael and we are so happy to be honoring him today.