'She Fights For What's Best For Patients': Banning Hero

BANNING, CA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Suzanne B Cormier of Murrieta, who nominated Mary Ellen Rzodkiewicz of Hemet:

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:
Respiratory Therapist

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
As a nurse working on the front lines, I can honestly say that the unrecognized heroes of this pandemic are the respiratory therapists! They are the ones monitoring the patients' lungs and ventilators and doing everything in their power to help try to make a difference in Saving these patients lives. Mary Ellen is one of the hardest working and most exquisitely talented respiratory therapist I've ever worked with in my career as a nurse. She represents the front lines beautifully and boldly.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
She will always fight for what's best for the patients. Others may find that brass but I find that brave and commendable! On top of that, she works her tail off to support her family. As soon as school starts again Mary Ellen will be sending her second child off to college to also be a healthcare hero. Her son is a paramedic and her daughter will be going off to college to become a nurse.

Thank you for all you do, Mary Ellen!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

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