While navigating a painful period in her personal life, ICU physician Nikki Mittal cares for a patient with severe brain injury whose family is preparing to withdraw life support. After a difficult earlier interaction that leaves her questioning herself, the family gathers on the day of withdrawal and unexpectedly asks to pray for her. In that moment, the usual direction of care shifts—the doctor who came to support the family finds herself receiving comfort and reassurance from them instead.

Nikki originally performed this story at a live Satellites Storytelling event produced by Dr. Shayne Poulin and the Riverside-San Bernardino Chapter of CAFP in 2025. This event was generously funded by the California Health Care Foundation, as a part of our Satellites Program.

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