Samoan boy, 16yo. I was his admitting nurse when he first came to ICU. Diagnosed with a blood disorder and admitted to ICU for respiratory support & isolation care with blood products treatment https://twitter.com/saltyemny/status/1306025489925124096

His parents were happy they had a Samoan nurse to talk to in their own language as I was able to explain everything to them. This kid had a massive extended family. So many friends as well. He spent a few months in hospital. He went from being a volley rep to a very sick child

It’s not often you help a young kid just to sit up on the edge of the bed. Not unless they’re really sick. Neutropenia was only 1 of his many problems. Always thought he would make it out after weeks of transferring between ICU & cancer/haemo ward

He never did. He came back to us post op. They opted for surgery when they found he had necrotising fasciitis. He maxed out on everything and the family watched his heart give up despite everything he was on for support.

The night he passed away, only a very few of his family were in the room. His parents were besides themselves & they asked me to go tell the extended family that were waiting outside in the waiting area

If you know Wellington ICU then you know which area I’m talking about. I’ll never forget sitting on the floor out in that waiting room in front of his elders, holding back my tears & looking down while saying sorry

Even in the middle of a tragedy happening, the elders still gave me a faamaguiaga. I cried. It didn’t feel right hearing them say that when their loved one no longer had a beating heart.

I still think about this boy and how his parents are. I hope his siblings are thriving and living their best life with their parents.