By “Doc” Doug Stauffer
Care Close to Home
There are seasons in life when your body simply refuses to cooperate. Over the past two months, I found myself in one of those seasons for the first time in my life. Three surgeries in quick succession had taken their toll. My stamina was gone. My drive—something I have depended on for decades—had completely evaporated.
Like many, I began looking for answers. The VA determined that my vitamin D levels were low, so I started supplements. Yet, even with that adjustment, I continued to decline. The energy simply was not coming back. Then came a visit that changed everything.
Recently, I walked into Niceville’s Infuse and met Nurse Pinky Thompson. She listened, assessed and recommended a vitamin D injection along with what is known as a “Myers Cocktail Infusion” combined with an amino blend. I appreciated her confidence, but I will admit—I was cautiously optimistic at best.
Now, however, I can say something I have not said in months: My stamina is back. My drive has returned. The difference is undeniable.
I cannot adequately express how grateful I am—not only for what Pinky and Infuse has done for me—but for what they are doing for so many others in our community.
What makes this story even more compelling is the heart behind the care.
Pinky’s journey is one shaped by both challenge and purpose. Originally from Thailand, she came to the United States as a young child, settling first in California before moving to Florida when her grandmother married a service member. She grew up right here, attending Ocean City Elementary School, Pryor Middle School and Choctawhatchee High School.
Her path into nursing was deeply personal. As a child, she spent significant time in hospitals battling anemia and asthma. During those difficult years, she saw nurses not just as caregivers—but as heroes. That impression stayed with her and ultimately shaped her calling.
She pursued her nursing degree at Northwest Florida State College and began her career in 2017. From the emergency room at Sacred Heart in Miramar Beach to the intensive care units at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and back again to Sacred Heart, she gained frontline experience in some of the most demanding environments in healthcare.
Then came COVID.
As an ICU nurse during the height of the pandemic, she witnessed firsthand the stark differences in patient outcomes. Those with underlying conditions like diabetes or weakened immune systems often struggled the most. Meanwhile, those who had invested in their health—who had stronger immune systems—frequently fared better.
Those experiences left a lasting impact.
The weight of loss during that time was heavy, but it also shaped a new perspective. Pinky became convinced that preventative care—giving the body what it needs before crisis strikes—could make a meaningful difference. She developed a passion not just for treating illness, but for helping people strengthen their bodies and improve their quality of life.
Through extensive research, she explored alternative approaches, including IV therapy, and its potential benefits for those facing autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue and even cancer-related challenges.
That passion led to action.
In May of 2023, she opened Infuse in Shalimar. By 2024, the demand and impact had grown enough to expand into Niceville. Today, Infuse stands as more than just a medical service—it represents a philosophy of care. One that values prevention, strength and restoring quality of life.
For me, it meant getting my energy back. For others, it might mean something even greater.
In a world where healthcare often feels rushed and reactive, it is encouraging to find someone who is committed to helping people live stronger, healthier lives before problems become crises.
Sometimes, what we need most is not just treatment—but a second wind.
And sometimes, that second wind is closer than we think. I checked things out and I am not alone—a perfect 4.8 of the 5-star reviews! (www.infuseivwellness.com). Tell them Doug sent you.
