A Tribute to Generosity: Pediatric Nurse’s Final Act of Kindness
Imagine being terrified of needles yet giving blood whenever you can. That was Patrice Sanders. A nurse at Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, California, she didn’t let her aversion stop her from regular blood donations. An unwavering commitment to helping others characterized her life’s work, spanning 36 years.
Patrice, affectionately known as ‘Tri’ to her sister Paige, showed that true grit combined with compassion can move mountains—or in her case, fill countless syringes. Even with her discomfort, she persisted in this gentle act of heroism until her last breath. And then, she went even further.
Honor Walk: An Emotional Farewell
On June 13, following a tragic brain bleed, Patrice continued her life’s mission by donating her organs. In a poignant honor walk at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, she was celebrated by family, medical staff, and friends who had shared in her dedication.
The concept of an honor walk is simple but deeply emotional—patients are wheeled down a corridor lined with their loved ones and medical caretakers, acknowledging their transition from saving lives through their profession to doing so through organ donation. For Patrice, a nurse always putting others first, it was a fitting tribute.
“Seeing so many people show support was amazing,” Paige noted, reflecting on the emotional ceremony where even a simple touch of hands conveyed volumes of gratitude and love.
A Legacy of Caring for Children
Patrice hailed from a big family of red-heads and had a twin named Paula. They moved from Los Angeles to Madera in 1967, and Patrice eventually pursued a nursing degree at California State University, Fresno. Valley Children’s Hospital became her lifelong professional home, where she moved from the emergency department to roles in pediatric intensive care, the recovery room, and even served as a helicopter transport nurse.
One of her colleagues, Jaskiran Dhillon, remembered Patrice as a beloved preceptor who guided her through the complex world of pediatric ICU care. “She was the expert, always helpful without judgment,” Dhillon recalled. Beyond work, the two bonded over baby showers, quilting endeavors, and shared life milestones.
Patrice was particularly known for her poignant handprint quilts made for ICU children—a tender memento for families to hold onto forever. It wasn’t just a job for her; it was her calling.
“You won’t find many people who spent 36 years taking care of critically ill children with so much heart,” Dhillon said. “She helped them get out of bed, start healing, and took care of their families. Such dedication is rare these days.”
Facing the Unthinkable: A Nurse’s Final Wish
Weeks before her demise, Patrice started experiencing troubling symptoms. Soon it was clear she had suffered a brain bleed that would leave her severely disabled, which was against her wishes. A legal document called “Five Wishes” that she signed in 2020 explicitly stated her desire for no life support or existence with severe brain damage. Naturally, she wanted her organs to be donated.
“She didn’t want to live a half-life,” Paige said. “Tri wanted meaningful interactions and self-sufficiency.” Hence, her transition was carried out following her explicitly stated preferences.
Patrice’s commitment to kindness extended beyond nursing. A devoted churchgoer, she helped with food distribution, supported organizations financially, and even reached out to prisoners in Central California’s Women’s Facility. Her adventurous spirit saw her complete a 13-mile hike just three weeks before her passing—let’s not forget her unwavering support for the San Francisco Giants, marking her as a fan through and through.
On the night before she passed, Patrice’s family played a Giants game for her in a nod to her devotion. It was Donate Life Day, and the first pitch was thrown by a pediatric organ recipient—fitting for the occasion.
“An eagle landing in our driveway felt like a sign she was okay,” Paige shared. It was a touching moment, aligning with a verse from Isaiah 40:31 that Patrice had noted in her funeral instructions: “They shall mount up with wings like eagles.”
Patrice Sanders leaves behind her mother, sister, twin, brother, and three nieces. Her life—an embodiment of service and love—continues to inspire and touch many, proving that a generous heart can make an everlasting impact.
Sonia’s Musings: The Final Curtain Call
If there ever was a role model for living life with purpose and compassion, Patrice Sanders fits the bill perfectly. She exemplifies how kindness can ripple through life’s various stages, leaving a lasting legacy.
Her honor walk symbolizes not only the end of a dedicated career but the dawn of new hope for those benefiting from her final act of generosity. Truly, angels do walk among us—even in scrubs. So, here’s to Patrice, the unsung hero; may we carry a bit of her generous spirit within us.
