Disney-Themed Birthday Party for Jeffrey

French Hospital Medical Center today celebrated the birthday of Jeffrey, a 41-year-old Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patient that wasn't able to make a trip to Disneyland due to an unforeseen health issue.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – September 6, 2019 –  French Hospital Medical Center today celebrated the birthday of Jeffrey, a 41-year-old Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patient that wasn’t able to make a trip to Disneyland due to an unforeseen health issue. After originally visiting the Emergency Room at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, Jeffrey was transferred to the ICU at French Hospital, where he and his parents would remain for the duration of his family’s planned trip south to Disneyland.  

Jeffrey, who drowned and coded at age of two, miraculously recovered from that tragedy, and has been traveling with his parents throughout his life. The physical limitations he endured due to the drowning did not impair his quality of life, and his parents continue to lovingly care for him.  This was a special trip, as the family was camping up and down the coast for Jeffrey’s birthday with the intention of visiting Disneyland, one of Jeffrey’s favorite destinations.

After forming a bond with the family, nurses and staff members at French Hospital then came together with the idea that if the trip to Disneyland was no longer possible, they would bring Disneyland to Jeffrey!  His patient room was decorated from top to bottom with images of Mickey Mouse, Jeffrey’s favorite Disney character.  Cal Poly Mustang mascot ‘Musty the Mustang’ delivered balloons and a stuffed animal Mickey Mouse to Jeffrey, Tucker the Pet Therapy dog donned mouse ears, and the celebration included a cake, birthday song, and cheers from all that attended. 

Parents James and Susan were grateful and overwhelmed with emotion by the kindness and compassion shown for them during this difficult time for their family. With tears in their eyes, they thanked staff, chaplains, directors, and nurses for such a special occasion and for celebrating their son. 

They have every intention of eventually making the trip to Disneyland, but in the meantime, were thankful to celebrate such a special day with those that have become like family.

Photo Captions:

• (top) ICU Nurses Disney Party – French Hospital Medical Center Intensive Care Unit staff surround Jeffrey, who celebrated with a Disney themed birthday in his patient room 
• (left) Tucker Therapy Dog – Dignity Health Central Coast Pet Therapy dog Tucker attended the celebration donned with Mickey Mouse ears
• (right) Musty Mustang – Cal Poly Mustangs mascot ‘Musty the Mustang’ paid a special visit to French Hospital Medical Center with balloons and a stuffed Mickey Mouse for the patient

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About French Hospital Medical Center
French Hospital Medical Center, located in San Luis Obispo, California, is rated among the top hospitals in the nation.  The Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center provides the latest innovative cardiac and imaging technology, and is home to the Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families. French is a Dignity Health Central Coast hospital which also includes Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, CA, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, CA, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, CA and St. John’s Pleasant Valley in Camarillo, CA. Dignity Health Central Coast is an integrated network of top quality hospitals, physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services, including primary care offices, premier surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories, imaging centers and a full service home health agency; all recognized for quality, safety and service.