05/27/2026
Congratulations to Dr. Ben Pastwik on being the latest recipient of our Sunshine Award! This recognition reflects Dr. Pastwik's dedication, positivity, and the meaningful impact he brings to our team and those we serve every day. Dr. Pastwik's incredible nomination reads as follows: "On January 20, 2026, I was sent to the hospital (the ER) and at the time was very incoherent, but during my fog, I could see that Dr. Pastwik was the doctor helping me. At the time, I didn't realize where I was, let alone what was going on, but I could hear him saying "I'm not gonna let her go. I'm going to do all I can to save her". In the midst of Dr. Pastwik saying that, I felt a sting in my right groin. After I felt the sting, my fog that I had been in started getting clearer. At that time, I was told that my blood pressure was now 89/64, so Dr. Pastwik asked me if I knew where I was and what my name was, so I told him my name. He told me that I sounded better than when I had first gotten there. Later on, come to find out that when I got there, a little after 6am, my blood pressure was 30/10 and I had no oxygen and my heart was beating at 10% due to shock. Come to find out, I also coded (I actually saw the light and everything) but due to Dr. Pastwik's quick thinking to insert the catheter in my right groin, I am here today. Dr. Pastwik informed me that he had talked to MCV in Richmond and that they were waiting for me. He was great, phenomenal, and humble. By the time the helicopter came, it was 12:15p. He had worked overnight and was supposed to be off at 7 a.m., but he stayed with me until I got on the helicopter. I am so grateful for Dr. Pastwik, as are my family and friends. He saved my life and he’s my hero. Dr. Pastwik is most definitely deserving of this award. I would love to personally thank him. I am forever indebted to him."
