BayCare Nurse Helped Pediatric Patient Access Treatment in Canada

Tiffany Loomis, a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurse at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, exemplified extraordinary compassion and dedication when she volunteered to accompany her young patient, Harper Brewer, on a journey to Canada for an experimental treatment. 

Harper, a toddler battling a rare mitochondrial disorder known as POLG disease, was hospitalized in July 2023 due to complications, including seizures and liver failure. Diagnosed just before her second birthday in January 2023, Harper’s condition required constant medical care. When her family received an unexpected opportunity for Harper to begin treatment in Montreal, they faced significant logistical and financial challenges, including an estimated $80,000 cost for a medical flight. 

Enter Loomis, whose deep faith and commitment to patient care drove her to make the impossible possible. Raised in a family dedicated to service—her parents are missionaries in Africa, and her husband is a youth pastor—Loomis reached out to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital’s Foundation President Kate Sawa to seek support. Through a collaborative effort involving local philanthropists Scott and Kathy Fink, a private plane with help from FlyUSA, and expedited passport arrangements, the trip came together in record time. 

“When we started talking about what it would take to get Harper to Canada, it seemed impossible,” Loomis said. “But when we started challenging the impossible, things started to fall into place. One crazy idea led to another, and before I knew it, I was texting my husband: ‘Would you be OK with me going to Canada with my patient?’ His immediate response was, ‘Yes! I’d be so proud.’” 

On Sept. 18, 2024, Loomis accompanied Harper and her family on a private jet to Montreal, where Harper received the first doses of the trial medication. During the flight, Loomis monitored Harper’s vitals, administered medications, and provided emotional support to the family. Upon arrival, the family stayed in an Airbnb in downtown Montreal and visited the Montreal Children’s Hospital for lab work, tests, and evaluations. Harper received her first two doses of the trial drug, administered via a feeding tube, before returning to St. Petersburg, Florida, the same day. She was re-admitted to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital’s PICU upon landing.  

Loomis reflected on the journey as a humbling reminder of the impact that collaboration can have. 

“No matter what hurdle we faced, every person we encountered made it their mission to find the ‘yes’ for Harper,” she said. 

Despite these efforts, Harper’s condition continued to decline. On Dec. 26, 2024, Harper passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. Through the dedication of BayCare staff and the transport team, Harper was able to spend her final days at home, where she found joy in simple comforts like the twinkling lights of her Christmas tree and the warm companionship of her dogs. Her parents expressed profound gratitude for the chance to fulfill their final wish of bringing Harper home, cherishing the precious moments they were able to share as a family. 

“Tiffany’s actions are a testament to the extraordinary difference nurses can make,” said Trish Shucoski, BayCare’s chief nursing executive who oversees BayCare’s more than 10,000 nurses. “Her compassion and dedication reflect the very best of BayCare’s mission.” 

For Loomis, the experience reaffirmed her calling.  

“Families like Harper’s need someone to stand with them during these moments,” she said. “It’s an honor to be that person and to offer hope when it’s needed most.” 

Harper’s journey touched countless lives and inspired her care team and community. For Loomis, moments like these define her 14-year career in PICU nursing. “I get to be strong for these families when they face the unimaginable,” she said. “They’re the reason I do this.” 

For more information: St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation