'One Of The Nicest People I Have Ever Met': Palatine Patch Hero

PALATINE, 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 Carol Marie Cochran from Palatine, who nominated Leanne Thomas, also from Palatine:

Where the nominee lives:
Palatine

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Palatine

Name of the nominee:
Leanne Thomas

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Carol Marie Cochran

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

What does the nominee do for work?:
Respiratory Therapist at Alexian Hospital Elk Grove

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
She selflessly goes to work every day knowing the risks and is frontline at the hospital working with Covid patients. She has had to buy her own PPE (masks and face shields) and when her face shield broke her husband Matt made her a new one.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
She is one of the nicest people I have ever met and a great mom to 3rd grade twin boys and a high school girl. I have known them for about 4 years and she always has the funniest outlook on life and a great attitude. Although she admits that going to work absolutely scares her immensely, she knows that it's what she signed up for and she LOVES her job. Especially the days when she can estimate a patient and know they are on their way to recovery and will eventually be home with their loved ones.

Thank you, Leanne!

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