My friend and I met Damian through the SIA. My friend was struggling with no help from medical professionals. I was trying to help, scrambling to find the right information, find the right help and ran into walls everywhere I turned. I ran into Damian, who was a blessing wrapped in a professional. I must have asked him a million questions and he was always ready to help; he advocated for my friend, he listened to him, and he genuinely cared about him. 

Instead of treating him like a condition, Damian treated him like a human being with feelings and dreams. I know my friend trusted his advice, and although it is a long road, the foundations he put in place have made life a little easier. 

He was a holistically focused, forward-thinking, empathic and innovative nurse because medicine never seemed like a job but a passion and a calling. He swooped in to guide us through some very hard and cold places, as heroes often do. We will forever be grateful for his support and his kindness. We feel his loss, so we can only imagine the hurt you at the SIA and his family and friends must feel. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of you as his colleagues and friends. I hope his many heroic moments of kindness shine through and warm your hearts. 

Jody xx