When a young leukemia patient comes to Bunker Hill in need of a miracle, James hopes a new t-cell cancer treatment will save her life, as her optimism inspires him to become a better person. Also, Malik and Zoe agree to go on a date just as James confesses his feelings to her, and Julianna's Christmas visit with Walter uncovers the strain in their long-distance marriage.

When a young man comes to Bunker Hill ravaged by a drug-resistant strain of HIV, James attempts a radical anti-viral treatment. Also, Walter must work quickly when his daughter's best friend contracts a fatal flesh-eating bacteria, and James makes a connection with Louis Keating's nurse.