This week we had a child pass away in the PICU whose family chose to donate his organs. Gerade was their day shift nurse for the four days that this child was here. On the day of donation surgery, Gerade picked up an extra shift so that he could be their nurse. He could have handed it off to another nurse, but he chose instead to come in and be there for this child and his family.

Throughout the four days as this child's nurse, Gerade showed compassion and empathy, walking beside the family in their decision-making journey. He was one of their sources of strength in their darkest moments. His medical care was exemplary, as it always is. Gerade has a true servant's heart, and this family's experience was made better by having him as their nurse. They will never forget him and the care he provided for their child. He didn't have to be here, but he was in the truest sense of the word. I have known Gerade for over a year now, and I know this is not a one-off. He always gives his best and cares deeply for each child and their loved ones. His peers look up to him, and he is a source of strength and inspiration for them. The PICU, and the organization as a whole, is the better for having him here and I am honored to consider him my colleague and friend.