Some superheroes wear scrubs

Before the helicopter lifted off, a nurse made a promise. Colin’s smile proves he kept it.

 When 8-year-old Colin was rushed to TriStar Horizon Medical Center last fall, he was struggling to breathe. As doctors stabilized him for an emergency airlift to TriStar Centennial Children’s Hospital, one nurse made a quiet vow: he wouldn’t let Colin face it alone. That promise would carry Colin through a terrifying night, forge an unbreakable bond, and eventually inspire a dream that took flight. 

Colin’s mother, overwhelmed and facing a solo drive to Nashville, watched as her son was prepped for air transport. Nurse Dalton, who had been by Colin’s side throughout the emergency, turned to her and said, “I won’t leave him.” True to his words, Dalton stayed with Colin during the flight prep and sent text updates throughout the journey, guiding Colin’s mother through unfamiliar roads and even more unfamiliar fear. 

“Dalton gave him security, hope and someone to admire,” Colin’s mother said. “What your team did that night didn’t just save Colin’s life—it changed it.” 

Colin recovered, but he never stopped talking about Nurse Dalton. Their bond evolved into friendship – and a dream. Inspired by the helicopter crew and the care he received, Colin now wants to become a helicopter pilot who saves lives, just like the heroes who saved his. 

To honor that dream, TriStar Horizon partnered with SkyLife to create a custom flight suit for Colin and arranged a special visit with the SkyLife crew. Colin toured the helicopter, met the team, and stood proudly in his new gear—ready to take on the world. 

This isn’t just a story about healthcare. It’s a story about how one nurse’s kindness turned fear into hope, and how a hospital became a launchpad for a child’s future.