Hospitalized Student Makes Graduation Thanks to Care Team
The end of senior year of high school often comes with a lot of happy memories. But as the 2024 school year came to an end, Bethlehem High School senior Henry O’Brien was not on the Delmar campus, but rather in the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center and unsure if he would make it to his graduation ceremony.
“I was pretty bummed about it,” he said. “I was really hoping to celebrate with my friends. I had already missed some senior-exclusive events like prom, banquets, and elementary school reunion.”
In early June, Henry was feeling shaky and had abnormal blood pressure and a fever. His pediatrician advised him and his family to go straight to the Massry Family Children’s Emergency Center for evaluation.
“I thought he would just get checked out and leave, but unfortunately, Henry’s condition started to dramatically worsen,” his mom Erica O’Brien said. “By the next night, he was on a ventilator in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.”
Henry was diagnosed with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare, life-threatening condition causing muscle rigidity, altered mental status, high fevers, and the disruption of involuntary body functions. For the next week and a half, he was in a coma.
Getting Henry to Graduation
Graduation was just three weeks away. Along with Henry’s family, his care team was committed to seeing him walk the stage.
“After seeing steady improvement, I knew we could get Henry to graduation,” said pediatric critical care specialist Adnan Bakar, MD. “He would need the appropriate support to get there, and we had it.”
Dr. Bakar worked with case manager Ellen Collins and assistant nurse manager Ally Reilly.
“I told Dr. Bakar we would do everything we could to advocate for this,” Reilly said.
The team reached out to Mohawk Ambulance Service, the Bethlehem High School nurse, and MVP Arena to ensure Henry could receive his diploma safely. His care providers lined the halls to wave and cheer as Henry headed downtown.
Henry and Erica were thrilled.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “They knew how important it was to us. They worked so hard to arrange everything. Their dedication was amazing.”
Walking Towards His Goal
“It felt overwhelming to be there, and everyone was surprised to see me,” Henry said. “I was so happy to be able to experience something that I didn’t think would happen.”
When it came time to get his diploma, PICU doctor Suzanne Barry, DO, and Anna Barker, RN, wheeled Henry up to the stage. But Henry had bigger plans.
“When his name was called, he stood right up, and walked across the entire stage to get his diploma,” Dr. Barry said.
The crowd went wild, cheering him on.
“I felt determined that I could do it, so I decided I would!” said Henry. “I’m so grateful that I was able to do it after being in the hospital and being in a coma!”
After turning his tassel with friends, Henry returned to a surprise graduation party organized by his care team.
“We can’t thank Albany Medical Center enough for how special they made this day,” Erica said. “The staff truly went above and beyond It inspired all of us, especially Henry, and made him feel like he could do anything.”
A Special Memory for Everyone
This graduation won’t only be a day that Henry never forgets, but the PICU team says it will forever hold a special place in their hearts too.
“It was our privilege to help make a wonderful memory for Henry’s family,” said Dr. Bakar.
The memory will live on for staff, too. Case manager Collins said, “To see Henry and his family celebrating such an amazing milestone, is something I will never forget. Everyone deserves to celebrate their hard work, and Henry had a lot to celebrate that day.”