Bolingbrook Nurse 'A Quiet Lioness' Amid The Coronavirus Pandemic

BOLINGBROOK, IL — As the popular adage goes, heroes don't always wear a cape. But when tomes are tough, they 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 K. Genesis Pena of Bolingbrook, who nominated Araceli Pena:

Where the nominee lives:
Bolingbrook

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Bolingbrook

Name of the nominee:
Araceli Pena

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
K. Genesis Pena

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?
Yes

What does the nominee do for work?
Registered nurse

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
As an inpatient staff nurse, she worked in the Oncology Unit, helping those fighting cancer whether it was administering chemotherapy or providing end of life care. When COVID-19 came, the hospital she works in converted the entire Oncology Unit into a COVID-19 unit, and she found herself on the front-lines providing care for those affected with this vicious, relentless, deadly virus. For the last 8 weeks, she has worked nearly every day. God has blessed her with good health, and a resilient immune system. I am proud of her fearless work ethic and stepping forward when the call for help came through. Her colleagues and patients appreciate her, and we, her family admire her courage.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?
She is a quiet lioness. She represents knowledge, bravery and courage.

Thank you for all you do, Araceli!

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.

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