A twenty five year old young man arrived to the ICU in sudden critical condition two weeks before Easter. After a very short time there was significant suspicion that this patient was in fact experiencing brain death. The family was at his side every minute. Imagine being suddenly put in the position to make life or death decisions about your child, or loved one. This family found themselves in an unfamiliar environment and situation and needed to be able to relate to someone on the healthcare team that they respected and felt they could trust.

Chris was the nurse early on and with his unique love for people and unique desire to share information in a direct, compassionate, and caring manner the family bonded with him instantly. It wasn’t long before the team noticed that this family was always looking for Chris and requesting he be the caregiver. If he was not there they would ask when he was scheduled to return.

A situation like this is a roller coaster of emotions and decisions. There was a point when the family was considering removing the patient from life support and letting the natural dying process occur as opposed to considering organ donation. This family delayed the life support withdraw until Thursday when they knew Chris would be on duty.

The family spent much time toiling and reflecting on the decision for organ donation and ultimately decided to share the loss of their beloved with giving the gift of life to others by donating his organs. This decision was a direct result of the support and communication not only by the entire health care team at MMHS but by this amazing bedside nurse, Chris Pate.

Chris was instrumental in preparing the patient’s body for transfer to the organ donation center in Southfield, MI as well as the emotional and spiritual support for his family. The day before Easter Chris received a middle of the night call (upon his request) from the Gift of Life service so that he could join the family and be alongside them as the organs were harvested. Chris wasted no time and was at their side.

The gift of life is often times at the expense of someone else’s suffering but with a nurse at the bedside like Chris this family will remember their son’s death with the knowledge that he was a hero saving four lives where hope was lost and giving sight to two. Countless family’s lives touched forever.

Gift of Life recognized Chris’s outstanding dedication in this case by sharing their praise with his manager. Thank you Chris for caring.