A dedicated volunteer at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, known as "ICU Grandpa," has died of pancreatic cancer.
David Deutchman spent the last 15 years of his life cuddling newborn babies and playing with sick toddlers. He wanted to help overwhelmed parents and family members of sick children.
David's heartwarming volunteer work first came to light a few years ago. He began his gig at the hospital after retiring from a career in marketing after 41 years.
Video of his weekly work at the children's hospital went viral. Families would seek him out for the light and warmth he brought. As much as he gave of himself, David felt like he was the one getting something out of the experience.
Though David had begun thinking of retiring from the position recently, he hadn't made up his mind. When the health crisis caused volunteer programs to come to a halt in March, David made a natural exit.
In October, David visited a doctor when he started experiencing some issues. He learned he had pancreatic cancer at that time, and he died shortly thereafter. His daughter opened up about how much his volunteer position meant to him in a discussion with Today.
David Deutchman was a marketing professional for 41 years before retiring. At first, he found retirement dull. The days stretched with nothing to do, and he liked staying busy. Eventually, he decided to take up volunteer work, and in it, he found a new and fulfilling chapter of his life.
David was at a nearby rehab center was he spotted Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and decided to stop in to inquire about volunteering. He went through training and thus began his time as "ICU Grandpa." He quickly became a hit with families, who would seek him out when there.
"Volunteering absolutely enriched his life," Susan Lilly, his daughter, told Today.
"The most meaningful part was the actual time he spent with these patients and their families. He had a very successful business career, and I've never heard him talk with such appreciation and love for what he was doing any time during his 41 years with the company like he talked about his involvement with the people at the hospital."
"He said, on many on many occasions, 'I don't know how much people realize how much more I get out of this than what I put in,'" Susan recalled.
Susan explained that David felt it was important to help the physically and emotionally exhausted families of those ailing kids. He knew how valuable the little reprieve that he provided could be to them.
"(He'd say) 'You know, I get feedback from families how much they appreciate me, but I appreciate them.'"
"The emotional support he was able to provide for primarily mothers, but also many of the fathers and extended family members, brothers, sisters, grandmas, grandpas, (was important). He was almost like a clergy member or a social worker," Susan said.
"Even the nurses confided in him."
It gave David's life a new and unexpected purpose.
"This was definitely a new purpose for him and something that absolutely enriched his life," she said.
"It brought us great pleasure to see him having that impact. Why not share his love with people who could use it at their most vulnerable times?"
David kept in touch with children and their families when he could. If they returned to the hospital, he'd try to get to see them.
"He would go back (to the hospital) even if it wasn't during one of his days that he volunteered — especially if they had to have a certain procedure," Susan said.
"He would go in and hold their hands or hold them."
David turned 85 last November and began thinking about ending his time volunteering. He hadn't made up his mind when the health crisis caused such volunteer programs to be put on hold. As those months went on, David began feeling weak. In late October, he visited his doctor to get some answers.
On October 28, David learned he had metastatic pancreatic cancer. Doctors encouraged him to start hospice care, as it wasn't treatable.
"None of us expected to get such a dire diagnosis," Susan said.
"He made it very clear to all his loved ones and even his friends that he feels grateful to have lived a full and rich life."
Before David died, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta staff wanted to show their appreciation for all he'd done in his time as a volunteer. They organized a drive-by celebration for David and his family.
"To honor this hospital legend, who has spent nearly 15 years tending to little ones in our intensive care units, our staff organized a drive-by parade outside of his home. Led by one of our NICU transport trucks, a procession of nearly 30 cars—some carrying Children's employees, some carrying patients who had been soothed by David many years ago—honked, waved, and shared well wishes as his family gathered in their driveway," they shared with photos from the event.
"For a grand finale, a Children's transport helicopter circled over his home—an emotional tribute to a man who has dedicated his retirement years to watching over our kids."
David is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ronnie, their daughters Susan and Jill, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family knew David truly cared about his time at the hospital and weren't surprised by how people took to him. Susan has even decided to follow in his footsteps by volunteering as an emergency medical technician.
"Anyone can have a purpose at any stage of their lives," she said.
"It was maybe surprising to him just how much he got out of this. Volunteerism and being of service to others is deeply rewarding."
