Wendi Risacherand Cel Milfeit

Wendi Risacher, RN, BSN, CCRN and Cel Milfeit, RN, CCRN PICU, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Cel Milfeit (left) and Wendi Risacher (right)

Cel and Wendi worked together to help fulfill the wish of a PICU patient. They both have cared for this patient, now 21years old, since she was in a tragic car accident at the age of six, which left her paralyzed from the neck down. Recently, her health has not been favorable and she has endured several painful surgeries. Despite her declining health and the pain she has had to endure, one thing could always bring a smile to her face….Sidney Crosby! She considered him an inspiration to her. Her only wish in life was to meet Sid Crosby in person, and her family’s attempts to arrange this had been unsuccessful.

With this in mind, Cel began the relentless pursuit of fulfilling Jessica’s dream. She contacted multiple staff appealing to Child Life for assistance, but none were able to help. Cel appealed to Wendi, who thought she might have a “connection” through a family friend. With the permission of Jessica’s family, she wrote a very moving letter detailing the patient’s life journey and her wish to meet Sid Crosby. Through the generosity of her husband’s good friend, Wendi was able to send this letter directly into the hands of Penguin owner Mario Lemieux. From there, the rest was history.

On December 6, Jessica went to see the Penguins play and was able to realize her dream; she got to meet Sid Crosby in the Pen’s locker room. She could not have been more radiant. This monumental event in the life of this patient occurred because of the kindness, caring and compassion of Cel and Wendi. They both went above and beyond their roles as caregivers to ensure the fulfillment of Jessica’s dream. Their commitment to this endeavor has undoubtedly left a permanent mark in the life of a long time, beloved patient and her family. The PICU staff, who know Jessica’s family very well are so grateful for Cel and Wendi’s superhuman work, persistent, resilience, and their willingness to do whatever it took to help Jessica realize her dream.

Here is a copy of the letter Wendi sent: