I want to take a moment to recognize a beautiful act of kindness that truly reflects the heart of our team. Recently, in the Trauma ICU, we had a patient who had been with us for over 30 days and had an extensive recovery. The staff in TICU has grown to know this patient and family very well.

The patient and Nicole were talking, and Nicole learned it was his daughter’s birthday. Nicole, being her kind soul, went to the gift shop and purchased a gift for his daughter with her own money so the patient could experience the joy of giving, even when hospitalized. The gift presented from the patient to his daughter, and the moment was deeply moving.

The daughter was overwhelmed with emotion and cried, touched by the gesture and the love behind it. This act was not about the gift itself; it was about dignity, connection, and compassion. It reminded us why we do what we do, and how even the small gestures made a profound impact. Thank you, Nicole! Your thoughtfulness made a difference in ways that words can’t fully capture.