'ICU Grandpa' Who Cuddled Countless Sick Babies for Nearly 15 Years, Dies after Cancer Battle

ICU Grandpa, popular for holding sick children in the hospital for over a decade, recently passed away after suffering from pancreatic cancer. Without a doubt, the legend will be greatly missed by many.

David Deutchman, popularly known as ICU Grandpa, recently passed away from stage IV metastatic pancreatic cancer. Deutchman's family confirmed his death on Saturday, only 17 days after being diagnosed.

Deutchman's death comes only a few days after he was honored with a drive-by outside his home by the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

The drive-by was led by a NICU transport truck followed by almost 30 cars carrying employees at the hospital and some patients whom Deutchman had helped over the years.

The convoy honked, waved, and sent their good wishes to Deutchman's family, who were gathered in the driveway. To top off the convoy, one of the hospital's helicopter also circled over Deutchman's home during the emotional tribute.

Deutchman was shot into the spotlight in 2017 when it was reported that he had spent about 12 years cuddling and soothing sick babies at the hospital.

Last year, Deutchman published a book titled "My New Purpose: A Retiree's Discovery in a Children's Hospital ICU."

He started volunteering at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta hospitals after retiring from a career in international business marketing in 2005.

Speaking at the time, Deutchman explained that many people did not understand why he volunteered at the hospital. He, however, noted that he enjoyed providing relief to the sick babies and their parents.

Deutchman also described his volunteering work as a wonderful experience, adding that it gave his life more meaning. Last year, Deutchman published a book titled "My New Purpose: A Retiree's Discovery in a Children's Hospital ICU."

In the book, he detailed his experiences working as a volunteer and the challenges he had faced over the years. Deutchman's commitment to helping these tiny babies was perhaps an inspiration to sixteen-year-old Tavinya Taylor, who found a way to impact sick babies at the Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital.

In July, Taylor made headlines when it was reported that she had been crocheting gift baskets for the families of babies at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU.)

What was most interesting about Taylor's kind gesture was that she was battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy at the time.

Like Deutchman, Taylor's kindness to the sick children at the Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital will never be forgotten. ICU Grandpa might be gone, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of many.