Washington Heights Hero Helps Keep Coronavirus Patients Breathing

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — 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 highlights Madeline Arena, a physical therapist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center working with ventilated coronavirus patients to help them breathe on their own.

Where the nominee lives:
New York

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Shelton

Name of the nominee:
Madeline Arena

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Stephen Arena

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

What does the nominee do for work?:
Physical Therapist

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
Madeline has been on the frontline of the pandemic since it began. As a physical therapist at NY-Presbyterian Hospital she has been part of a team that has worked with patients on ventilators to get them to respond and to breathe on their own. She has tirelessly treated patients and have seen them discharge from the hospital with their loved ones while not being able to see her family over the last several months.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Madeline is a very caring and loving person who cares about all the persons she treats.

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