ER Staff Secretly Raise Money to Fly Custodian Home For Christmas, Video Will Make You Cry
- ER workers pooled money to send their environmental services coworker, Diego, home to see his family after almost a year apart.
- Dr. J Mack shared the emotional moment, highlighting Diego’s kindness, work ethic, and the sacrifices he makes for his family in Colombia.
- A GoFundMe was created to help reunite Diego with his family again next year or support his dream of moving them to the United States.
A viral Instagram post from emergency physician Dr. J Mack has captured national attention for all the right reasons. In the video, an ER team comes together to give an unforgettable gift to one of their environmental services workers, Diego, who has been separated from his family in Colombia while working in the United States.
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A Worker Everyone Loves
In his caption, Dr. Mack describes Diego as “one of the most KIND, HARD WORKING, and POSITIVE individuals I’ve ever met.” He says Diego “NEVER complains and almost ALWAYS has a smile on his face,” even during the busiest days in the emergency department.
He adds that “talk to Diego for any length of time and it is clear that he deeply loves and very much misses his wife and daughter.” Diego works in the US and sends money home so his family can have a better life in Colombia. Dr. Mack writes, “He is a stronger person than me. I’m not sure that I could do what he does for the sake of his family.”
The Emotional Conversation
In the video, Dr. Mack sits down with Diego and tells him, “You are somebody who shows up to work every single day, and you work so hard, and you're so positive and happy, and you're so kind to everyone.”
He continues, “And you're doing something that most of us couldn't do, and that's being away from your family for the entire year.”
Dr. Mack then asks Diego, “When was the last time you saw your family?” His response is simple but heavy: “Last December.” Dr. Mack also confirms, “And you weren't planning on going this year, correct?”
Rising Costs Stand in the Way
During their conversation, Dr. Mack acknowledges the financial barriers that kept Diego from traveling home. He tells him, “The world is so much more expensive than it used to be. America in general is an incredibly unaffordable place, and we don't want that to keep you from being with your family.”
The Surprise That Changed Everything
What Diego did not know is that his coworkers had quietly been planning something behind the scenes. Dr. Mack reveals, “So, we all talked about it, and we raised the money to send you home.”
Diego becomes emotional immediately, and the staff cheer and cry alongside him. The moment is raw, heartfelt, and a powerful display of community inside the ER.
A Call to Support
In his post, Dr. Mack also writes, “If you want to help reunite Diego with his family again next year (or help accomplish his long term dream of moving them here), please donate ANY amount of money you feel called to give.” He shared a GoFundMe link in his bio for anyone who wants to contribute.
A Needed Reminder of Humanity in Healthcare
At a time when many healthcare workers are potentially overwhelmed by burnout, staffing challenges, and rising pressures, this story stands out as a reminder of what it means to show up for each other. Diego is a vital part of the hospital team, and this moment made sure he felt seen, appreciated, and supported.
This viral video did more than document a gift. It captured compassion at its purest level. Readers who wish to contribute can find the GoFundMe Here.
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