'Treating Those With The Virus': Stratford Hero

STRATFORD, CT — 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 Veronica Sanwald of Stratford, who nominated her aunt, Rita Stanislawski:

Where the nominee lives:
Stratford

Name of the nominee:
Rita Stanislawski

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?
Yes

What does the nominee do for work?
RN nurse

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
She works at St. Vincent's Medical Center, which has recently been purchased by Hartford HealthCare. They are transitioning and now with the COVID-19 virus, her floor, which once upon a time was strictly pediatrics, is now the COVID-19 patient floor. She is in direct contact treating those with the virus. She has even taken on extra hours when she can .

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?
She likes what she does and is very good at it. She's been doing it for a long time and keeps saying she plans to retire soon.

Thank you for all you do, Rita!

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