ICU Nurse 'Always Has A Smile On His Face' As He Treats COVID-19

CHICAGO — Fred Rogers told a story on his children's show Mr. Roger's Neighborhood about being scared as a child when he saw something upsetting on the news. "My mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping,'" he told his audience. Though we're now living through an unprecedented health crisis, at Patch, we want to help you look for the helpers in your own community, so we've launched an initiative to recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Leslie Kelly, who nominated her son, Tom Kelly, an ICU nurse taking care of COVID-19 patients.

"Tom is a gentle giant," his mother said. "His is 6 feet 3 inches tall and no matter what, he always has a smile on his face. I'm sure his patients think very highly of him. I know his parents are very proud of him!"

Here's what else she wrote:

As a nurse myself, I know how empathetic and caring nurses are. It takes a very special person to be a nurse. It’s a very special calling in life. My son Tom, is a hero! He is a wonderful person and he loves being a nurse. He works 12 hour shifts in the ICU taking care of very sick COVID -19 patients. He never ever complains about his job. In fact, just the other night he worked a 12 hour shift and stayed an extra 4 hours because his unit needed help. He is a very caring and compassionate person and I know his patients are in good hands. He has not been able to visit us as he knows how contagious this virus is and he wants us to stay safe. He is my hero!

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

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