Damon Pulliam is the epitome of compassion. He constantly displays this in the way he cares for his patients, their families, and his coworkers. At the bedside, he is diligent to care for his patient's every need and as a coworker he frequently rounds the unit looking for someone to help. So, when the opportunity came for someone to help a patient do something special for his wife for their anniversary, it was no surprise that Damon was the one to do it.
For over a month, a 26-year-old patient had been fighting for his life on ECMO. It was unclear for the longest if he would make it or not. Finally, we were able wean him from ECMO, but he would remain on the vent. The patient had a trach for a few weeks and was responding well to staff and his family. Damon had cared for this patient on and off during the month, and after he was weaned off ECMO, Damon cared for him every day that he worked.
When he found out it was going to be the patient's anniversary, he knew he had to help. Damon came in to work an hour early that day carrying the most beautiful bouquet of roses and donuts for the patient to give his wife. After the patient's wife was called back to the room, the patient's face lit up at the surprise on his wife's face, who stood there in tears, overcome with joy by this beautiful gesture. Damon was determined to make their anniversary special and there was not a dry eye left in the unit that day.