RN Holds Patients' Breath In Her Hands: Patch Local Hero

PALOS HEIGHTS, 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 Leann Ciesla who nominated her sister, registered nurse Debra Anders.

Where the nominee lives:

Palos Heights

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:

Palos Heights

Name of the nominee:

Debra Anders

Name of the person who nominated the hero:

Leann Ciesla

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?

My sister, Debra, is a RN at OSF-Little Company of Mary Medical Center. She works as a gastroenterology nurse but volunteered to do respiratory therapy. She works random shifts and many days in a row. Debra said she comes home and cries most days. One night she lost 7 patients. She feels though it is her duty to help during these times, and she is definitely at high risk for the virus! She is 64, diabetic and just had a pulmonary embolism in February of this year!! Thank you for honoring ALL essential workers during this crisis!!!

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

Debra is very dedicated and nursing is her calling!!!

Thank you for all you do, Debra!

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

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