Pediatric Nurse Works To Save Children's Lives: Patch Local Hero

OAK LAWN, IL — 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 Nancy Hennigan, who nominated her niece Colleen Hennigan a pediatric nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Where the nominee lives:

Oak Lawn

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:

Oak Lawn

Name of the nominee:

Colleen Hennigan

Name of the person who nominated the hero:

Nancy Hennigan

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:

Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:

Pediatric nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?

My niece works nights at Advocate Christ and cares for children that are sick and injured, sometimes by their own parents. She has to keep her personal feelings to herself while she helps to save these babies’ lives and still deal with the families. She has seen more than one child die because of these injuries. While holding down a full- time nights position, she obtained her master degree as well. She has also been caring for COVID-19 patients along with covering her normal patients. Colleen not only is incredible at her job, she is constantly there for her mom, her brother Joe and her dad. When the family fell on hard times, she jumped in to help out and take care of bills that needed to be paid. She is loved by everyone who knows her.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:

How incredibly strong and caring she is.