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MARCH 28, 2025— 2001  Pal-Mac grad Christian Pulcini has spent his career helping children in their most vulnerable moments. But recently, he’s taken on a new role: children’s book author. 

His debut book, “The Family Squeeze,” is a heartwarming story born out of a simple family group hug tradition that has resonated with families across the country. The idea for the book came from a family ritual Pulcini shared with his three children: a 10, 8, and 6-year old.

“I found when I would get together with all three of my kids and have this squeeze, it always brought a smile to their face no matter what kind of mood they were in,” Pulcini said. “You would think even the 10 year-old would be growing out of it, but it still works very well when we do this.”

Pulcini is a pediatric emergency medicine physician and clinician researcher at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.  He said he found further inspiration for the book during the pandemic. As stress and isolation weighed heavily on families, Pulcini realized the power of this small act of connection. He says he found physical touch can help build resilience in kids. So what started as a family tradition soon became a family project.

Pulcini’s children played an active role in shaping the book, as they would offer input on the pictures and words. 

“Going through the process was really a lot of fun with all three kids, and it made them proud of the finished product,” Pulcini said. 

The result is a book that not only reflects their family’s bond but also offers a tool for other families to strengthen their own connections. Since its publication, The Family Squeeze has struck a chord with readers. He says he has been delighted to receive photos from friends across the country, showing their children smiling as they read the book together.

“It’s really been a sort of interesting endeavor, and something that I was glad I did,” he said. “It’s not my primary profession, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.”

As mentioned, being a children's book author isn’t his day job. But the book’s message of resilience and connection connects back to the very reason he decided to be a children’s physician. See, Pulcini says he’s committed to helping others, especially vulnerable populations.

PAL-MAC BUILT

Pulcini's senior portrait (2001 Zenobia Yearbook)

His journey began at Pal-Mac, where he was deeply involved in extracurricular activities from soccer (where he was a captain and star) to wrestling and basketball, among others. But perhaps one of his favorite memories was being a part of the high school’s famed Select Choir. Pulcini was a booming baritone under the guidance of long-time director Ann Beaucage. 

“Pal-Mac offered enough hometown encouragement and enthusiasm to set me on my path,” he said. “There were multiple individuals along the way-teachers, coaches, who had a lasting impact on my life.”

He says one of those formative experiences was volunteering at a Muscular Dystrophy Association camp during high school. Pulcini says retired high school counselor Joan DeCann recommended the opportunity to him, and he never looked back. He says his journey was solidified by the smiles on the kids' faces, as today he focuses on improving emergency and acute care for children with disabilities or medical complexity, with the goal of keeping them out of the hospital and in their communities.

“The reason to go about this and help overall vulnerable populations, is sort of what I focus on,” Pulcini said “Just seeing the struggles that they face throughout the year, but then also that the joy that you could bring them and how impactful you can be in their lives.”

Pulcini was an accomplished performer for the Select Choir (2001 Zenobia Yearbook)

Pulcini’s commitment to giving back extends to his alma mater. He and his family have established Dollars for Scholars (DFS) scholarships at Pal-Mac, including the Class of 2001 Scholarship, which debuted last year. He also returns regularly for events like the DFS Awards Ceremony and class reunions. 

“There are still deep connections to this community that have persisted over the years,” Pulcini said, noting that many of his extended family members still live in the area.

In reflecting on his journey, Pulcini offered some advice to current Pal-Mac students: 

“Don’t let anybody tell you that you cannot do something if you are passionate about it and have a good reason for doing it,” Pulcini said. “Use your community if you have to, but working through barriers will make your life more fulfilling.”

While he remains focused on his work in pediatric medicine, Pulcini isn’t ruling out another book. He added his 10 year old has already started drafting something

But for now, he’ll continue his mission of helping children, whether in the emergency room, through research, or through the pages of a book.

“There’s a guiding life mission in all of this,” Pulcini said. “It’s about the impact you can make and the joy you can bring to others.” 

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