The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit had a patient who suffered from a Group A Strep infection that resulted in a long road to recovery that included crashing on ECMO and suffering from devastating burn-like wounds that necessitated his transfer to MUSC’s burn center. When his skin improved, he returned to Levine Children's Hospital to be closer to home. Upon his return, Jennifer Ruggiero was instrumental in providing excellent and compassionate medical and psychological care. Upon returning to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the patient's wound care was much more complicated than initially reported. 

Jennifer took the time to call back to MUSC to understand precisely what they were using for the dressing changes and then coordinated with our wound care team to find similar products. The dressing changes were so traumatic that this patient required high doses of ketamine to tolerate them. In addition, he would beg not to have them done and asked to be “knocked out” frequently. These dressing changes were lengthy under several heat lamps so the patient wouldn’t get cold. It was hot, sweaty work, and it was emotionally exhausting managing the need to do the dressing changes and comforting his heart wrenching pleas. Despite how emotionally taxing it was to care for the patient, Jennifer picked up extra days to provide continuity of care. 

Jennifer's care extended far beyond the medical tasks. She became a beacon of comfort and support for the patient during his darkest moments. The patient's mother was finally closer to home and needed to spend time away from the hospital. Jennifer became his companion. She stayed by his side for hours on end, offering solace and understanding. At the same time, the patient suffered from excruciating pain from his deep wounds and the emotional turmoil of losing both his legs and having limited use of his hands. 

Her presence brought this patient a sense of peace and reassurance, profoundly impacting his healing journey. Caring for this patient was emotionally exhausting, but Jennifer did it with a smile. Following the patient's transfer to our progressive unit after his double amputation and eventually to our rehabilitation unit, Jennifer continued to stay connected and involved in his progress. For weeks, Jennifer continued to check on him regularly. Jen and the patient engaged in joke warfare. They traded bad jokes and were always trying to one-up each other with bad jokes. When the patient received a motorized wheelchair, one of his first actions was to return to our unit to see Jennifer. Unfortunately, Jennifer was not working that day. However, Jennifer graciously agreed to a Facetime call, spending precious moments chatting with the patient and lifting his spirits. They talked and talked. It was clear that the FaceTime chat was good for both. The bond between Jennifer and this patient is nothing short of inspirational. Through her unwavering dedication and genuine compassion, Jennifer provided this patient with the strength and support he needed to navigate through the darkest moments of his life. Her empathy, kindness, and extraordinary commitment genuinely embody the spirit of the DAISY Award.