Nurse Adopts Homeless Man with Autism So He Can Get a Heart Transplant : The Hearty Soul

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” – Barbara De Angelis

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A guardian angelThey became familyPace-setting kindnessSources

When Jonathan Pinkard, a 27-year-old man with autism, found out he needed a heart transplant, he faced a devastating reality. With no family or home, getting through such a serious surgery seemed impossible. He was even denied a spot on the transplant list due to lack of a caregiver post-surgery.

Living in Warm Springs, Georgia, Pinkard had been on his own since 2014. After a chance encounter with Nurse Lori Wood at the Piedmont Newnan Hospital, everything changed for him.

A guardian angel

Wood, a nurse with 35 years of experience, took Pinkard in as her own, becoming his guardian and caregiver. She saw a young man in need and felt compelled to help.

From moving Pinkard into her home in Hogansville, Georgia, to ensuring he received the necessary care, Wood went above and beyond for him.

They became family

Despite their differences in football team loyalties, Wood and Pinkard built a strong bond based on shared interests and mutual care.

Wood’s selfless act didn’t go unnoticed. She was honored with The President’s Award for Nurses for her exceptional commitment to Pinkard’s well-being.

Pace-setting kindness

Wood’s act of kindness not only saved Pinkard’s life but also gave him a new family. Their story serves as a reminder of the impact love and compassion can have on someone’s life.

Nurse Wood exemplifies the kind of care and empathy the world needs more of.