DOU had a young patient who was unable to communicate his needs and had difficulty with mobility due to his diagnosis. One morning he was crying so we went to his room to find out what help he needed. He was not in pain or other discomfort. His primary nurse asked if he wanted to see his father and he nodded yes. While there were visitation restrictions in place, the team obtained a special visitor pass for his father on his special day on 2-2-22.

The patient lived with his dad, and we found out it was his birthday and wanted to surprise him when his father came. The team made him a cake from stacking cookies and a make-believe candle made from paper and a tongue depressor. Our unit secretary printed "happy birthday" in color, and we made a poster for his room. We huddled the plan and called for the team to sing him "Happy Birthday." While our patient was up in a chair having his dinner with his dad at the bedside, we all went into his room and sang him "happy birthday", he made a wish and "blew out" his paper make-believe candle. We all witnessed his priceless smile that melted our hearts. His Dad was so happy and thankful to everybody. The team recognized it was important to celebrate his special day on 2-22-22, to cheer him on and the team made sure to make the patient feel very special on this very special birthday.