Elijah, 6, shares a lasting bond with Cynthia, a nurse in CHOC’s cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), built on trust, compassion and unwavering support.
More than Care
When Sabrina and her wife, Ileana, began their adoption journey, they never imagined it would lead them to a hospital room. But that’s where they met Elijah—just 4 months old, in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).
Elijah had been born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare and complex condition that requires multiple surgeries to survive. He was the half-brother of their daughter, and the moment they signed the paperwork, they became a family. What they didn’t expect was that Elijah’s care team would also become a part of that family.
From the very beginning, one CHOC CVICU nurse stood out: Cynthia. She became a steady, familiar presence; someone who saw beyond diagnoses and treatment plans.
Facing the Fontan procedure
When Elijah was 3½ years old, his first attempt at the Fontan procedure, a critical surgery for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, faced unexpected complications. Elijah spent 42 days in the hospital recovering as his body struggled to adjust to the changes.
During that time, Cynthia’s unwavering presence was a source of comfort and strength. She was there by his side each day, bringing balloons to lift his spirits and offering the gentle care that made his hospital stay more bearable.
At 6 years old, Elijah successfully underwent the Fontan surgery. This time, the procedure was completed successfully, and Elijah spent 69 days in the hospital recovering, supported by the same dedicated team that had been with him every step of the way.
Beyond care
Cynthia’s role in Elijah’s life went beyond the day-to-day duties of a nurse. She didn’t just monitor his health; she cared for him in a way that only someone with her passion and dedication could.
She read to him, took him outside, and introduced him to music therapy, a passion he still holds today.
Even when she wasn’t his primary nurse, Cynthia made it a point to check in on Elijah when he was undergoing the Fontan procedure. “She would always bring him toys, dress him in regular clothes so he didn’t feel like just a patient, and make sure he was never alone,” Sabrina said.
This combination of kindness and attention made Cynthia stand out as a nurse, a mentor and a constant source of support for Elijah and his family.
A lasting connection
At 6 years old, Elijah still frequently asks about Cynthia, despite not having been in the hospital for some time. He’ll ask his parents if they’ve told “Mrs. Cynthia” about something that happened, whether it’s a fall from his bike or a bad day at school.
“Their bond has become something much more than a patient-nurse relationship. “We know they’ll always be lifelong friends,” Sabrina says, her voice full of gratitude.
A heartfelt tribute to all nurses
National Nurses Week is a time to recognize the deep connections nurses form with the people they care for. Cynthia’s story is special, but not rare. Across our organization, nurses show up every day with compassion, curiosity, and commitment.
They don’t just treat symptoms. They notice the little things. They ask the extra questions. They become trusted faces and familiar voices for families navigating the unknown.
This week—and every week—we celebrate nurses who remind us of the power of human connection in medicine.
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Learn more about CHOC’s Heart Institute
CHOC Hospital was named one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings and ranked in the cardiology and heart surgery specialties.
