Doctors gave Philip Bonvino five years to live; he made it to 27. The expert and compassionate care provided by home health nurses is partly responsible for Bonvino's bonus two decades on Earth. The nurses did something else too. They inspired a little girl.
Nemaline myopathy is a rare genetic muscular disorder affecting one in every 50,000 births. For some, the symptoms - such as muscle weakness and respiratory issues - are mild. For Bonvino, it was as serious as it gets. Of course, at three years old, Julia Abbatiello '25 didn't know any of that. She just loved her older cousin, and cherished any chance she got to sit on his lap (below, left).
Bonvino was bound to a wheelchair and ventilator and required around the clock care. Home health nurses were frequently at his side, and for a little extra help, they deputized Bonvino's little cousin, who always wanted to be at his side too.
"I was just always hanging around. I would watch as they would bathe him or suction him to help his breathing. When I was only three, they started to let me help feed him. I grew up with this huge passion for nursing. I saw them make a real difference in Philip's life, not just from the care they provided, but the power of the nurse-patient relationship."
Beginning August 4, it's Abbatiello's turn. In six weeks, she'll begin her nursing career on the oncology unit at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany. It will be the realization of a childhood dream that became her purpose, even more so after Bonvino passed on November 18, 2015.
No one could ever question Abbatiello's passion, but now she has the credentials as well. She believes that once you say you're from Siena, you've earned an immediate advantage over other aspiring nurses from other programs. Abbatiello applied to 17 schools, and she's confident she chose the right one.
"It's because of our program and our community. When we graduate, we have our license and we're ready to make an impact right away. Plus, there's this amazing community of future nurses at Siena and we make each other better."
Naturally, it wasn't always easy. But when times were particularly challenging, Abbatiello reminded herself of her purpose.
"I always tell people 'Philip is my reason.' When times at school, like anatomy freshman year, would get tough, I pushed through for Philip. This is a calling, and he's my reason."
Abbatiello is particularly interested in pediatric oncology; after all, Bonvino required care from birth. For now, Abbatiello is excited to start her career on the oncology unit at St. Peter's, and she looks forward to making a difference for her patients and their families - and at some point, that will certainly include little, impressionable cousins who just want to know how they can help.
