The Stories of Unsung Heroes
To express our gratitude to all the frontline heroes out there working hard to protect our community, we sent 2,000+ Cozy Care Packages to unsung heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few of their stories.
Shannon Basara
Nominated by Nathan Basara
Nominated by Nathan Basara
As a Medical ICU RN, Shannon was already on the front lines when the COVID outbreak occurred. Because she knew many of her co-workers have family at home, Shannon took it upon herself to volunteer to work the exclusively COVID unit. By doing this she put herself further into danger to help not just patients, but her co-workers and their families/loved ones. Under supplied and under staffed, Shannon (like all healthcare workers) is working long, difficult hours caring for our most vulnerable in society. Her patients aren’t allowed to have family, and she takes her role as their sole support very seriously. When she comes home, she is on mandatory isolation and can no longer do anything of the things she normally enjoys to relax and unwind from a stressful job that has become exponentially more demanding. Shannon is OUR hero, and hero to many others during such a difficult crisis. We want very much to give her a bit of love and joy even though we have to be separated from her at this time. .
Thank you, Shannon and your team ♥
Jillian Alexis
Nominated by Sheri Nagel
Nominated by Sheri Nagel
Jillian is a second year pediatric nurse and just found out that her unit is becoming a COVID adult unit. As scared as she is, she says that “I took my oath two years ago and no matter how I feel, it is my job to be there for those that need me.
Thank you, Jillian ♥
Judyanne Decastro, Patty Mae Onday, Anna Onday
Nominated by Lillie Onday
Nominated by Lillie Onday
I nominate all of my three sisters who are all nurses on the frontline in New Jersey. Not only are they taking care of multiple COVID-19 patients on a daily basis but they’re also caring for my parents who more than likely are positive for COVID-19 (we’re awaiting test results). I wish I wasn’t so far in GA so I want to send them all the love I can. Please send my three loving sisters a care package. They are some of the strongest and bravest women I know, and I am so proud of them.
Thank you, Judyanne, Patty Mae and Anna ♥
Christian Atendido
Nominated by Susan Chang
Nominated by Susan Chang
Christian is truly on the frontlines of this virus, as he sees patients everyday who come in because they think they have COVID-19 symptoms. He's on his feet for most of the day, seeing patients, testing patients, moving them from room to room, escorting them back to their cars, etc. He would truly appreciate comfortable clothes that he could wear and move around in so he can do this job better. I've watched Christian leave our apartment and go into work every morning, and he is always in a good mood and never upset about going into work. He knows he has an obligation and responsibility to care for those who are sick and scared. I'm so proud to call him my boyfriend. He is my hero, so that's why I'd love to nominate him!
Thank you, Christian ♥
Khushbu Patel
Nominated by Stephanie Lam
Nominated by Stephanie Lam
Khushbu is the brightest light you could ever meet- she brings joy and laughter to everyone around her. She gives of herself to others, every day. She has been diligently going to work at her hospital on the pulmonary floor (which obviously is very scary at this time), ensuring that her sick patients, those with and without Covid-19, are getting the therapy they need. She has felt tense and anxious throughout this pandemic, and upset about the lack of PPE available at the hospital. However, she continues to go to work, ready to face another day.
Thank you, Khushbu ♥
Lindsey Depippo
Nominated by Ricki Tannenbaum
Nominated by Ricki Tannenbaum
Lindsey is a social worker in a hospital in the Bronx who truly cares about each and everyone of her patients. Despite everything going on, Lindsey treks into work everyday to provide mental health services to those in need. She is my health hero! Social workers deserve a shoutout!
Thank you, Lindsey ♥
James Grandinetti
Nominated by Piper
Nominated by Piper
James is an incredibly hard working individual who works at LAMC which is Southern California's largest hospital , that's owned by Kaiser. Although one might think off the bat that someone in IT may not be a front line worker... James goes to work everyday (many days going in and out of the hospital) making sure that all of the electronic equipment doctors use in their COVID units as well as beyond in the hospital and all medical buildings are fully running , working, and also including new set up. It is not uncommon for him to be scared and tired when he goes to work but he puts himself in the face of danger and in COVID units to support others. He is an unsung hero.
Thank you, James ♥
Shireen Rahman, Anita Kannan, Kitty Chan, Monique Lugo, Kofi Sarpong
Nominated by Shireen Rahman
Nominated by Shireen Rahman
These are amazing selfless nurses that are working hard and staying positive with a smile each day they come to work during the coronavirus pandemic...they deserve this!! Side note — I love the splendid brand . So this is amazing.
Thank you, Shireen, Anita, Kitty, Monique, Kofi ♥
Danielle Pigneri
Nominated by Janet Schaefer
Nominated by Janet Schaefer
Dani is a trauma surgeon who came out of maternity leave to help cover a few shifts in the ICU. since I’ve known her, she’s always been superwoman- calm, sharp, and determined to save lives. She just went back to work full time to take care of her patients and is ready to tackle the covid pandemic, and will take the necessary isolation steps to protect her family if needed, which is no small feat if you’re a new mother. However, this is her calling- to use her brilliant mind to help heal the sickest and I feel better having her on the front line. There is hope!
Thank you, Danielle ♥
Shonda Terry
I have worked in healthcare for 22 years, I’ve worked in several different departments. I now work at the hospital. As for now I’m in isolation because I got pneumonia and then tested positive for COVID-19. My heart is broke because I miss going to work and I miss my patients. It’s been 17 days so I’m ready to get tested again and get back to work.
Thank you, Shonda ♥
Jayme
Nominated by Ashley Palumbo
Nominated by Ashley Palumbo
Jayme is currently 2 weeks away from her due date with her third and working nights in the ICU unit at Yale New Haven Hospital: St Rayphel with COVID19 patients. When Jayme’s not working her butt off at work, she’s home taking care of her two boys ages 1.5 and 2.5. So she’ll have 3 under 3 when this baby comes in a few short weeks. Jayme is a hard-working, fun-loving, easy-going wife, Mama, friend, daughter, sister and nurse. She always puts herself last and everyone else first including her patients.
Jayme deserves to be pampered and showered with love and gratitude. This girl has the Heart of a Hero
Thank you, Jayme ♥
Kim Komo
Nominated by Ella Komo
Nominated by Ella Komo
I am nominating my Mom because she is a nurse at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California. She puts herself and her health at danger every single day, just to help those in need. She is the most selfless, loving, kind, caring, thoughtful person that I know and she is my best friend. I think that she deserves to be recognized for all that she is doing. She is on the front lines, personally caring for patients that tested positive for COVID 19. She collects masks and donates them by the thousands to the hospital for everyone to use. She partners with small businesses around us to bring free lunches to her colleagues. I want her to know not only how much I appreciate her, but that the whole world appreciates her and all that she does to help. She is an amazing, strong, beautiful, hardworking woman. She is my hero.
Thank you, Kim ♥
Kristen Egert
Nominated by Jill Biton
Nominated by Jill Biton
Kristen works 12 hours shifts sometimes 9+ days in a row. With NO breaks! Since she is a “professional” and there is no other pharmacist on shift she is not allowed to leave the pharmacy without closing it down. So she works 12 + hours on her feet filling 1500 + prescriptions a day working tirelessly without breaks for lunch, to see the sunshine or sit down. She is kind, caring and selfless! Her chin has broken out from constantly wearing a mask and is in desperate need of some TLC!!! She takes care of her grandparents neighbors and friends and takes no time for herself ever!
By far the most giving and genuine person I have met. If you need something she is there. She loves CrossFit , and spaghetti and meatballs! She is just and all around awesome person in need of some recognition.
With so many pharmacist sick, on leave or needing time off she is covering shifts daily, driving an hour from home to help other pharmacy locations out on her only day off.
My 3 year old daughter calls her “Kristen mommy” because she is just like a second mom... after working all day- she makes the time to bring over my family's prescription, hand delivered. Or bring her dog by for my kids to smile and play. No questions asked she is there for anyone in need!
She is there for everyone else but definitely needs to be shown some appreciation for all that she does.
Thank you, Kristen ♥