It seems like more than ever before, hospital workers are receiving the appreciation they deserve. Although many of them have been working longer hours and working more stressful shifts ever since the outbreak, the community is making sure these staff are reminded how much we respect them for all that they do.
A man in New Jersey recently showed his love and support for Morristown Medical Center after the emergency staff there saved his wife’s life. Employees spotted him holding a cardboard sign towards a hospital window one day that read, “Thank you all in emergency for saving my wife’s life; I love you all.”
Karen Zatorski, the Senior Public Relations Manager at the New Jersey facility, said, “We don’t know who the man is, we don’t know who his wife is. The nurses happened to be there and took his picture. What’s beautiful is that’s all we know.”
Shay Vander Vliet posted a picture of the man holding the sign after she heard her hospital-worker sister-in-law, Paige, got to witness the anonymous man’s moment of gratitude in person. It immediately touched her heart.
“She sent me this picture the other day and I feel like it needs to be seen as much as possible!” Shay typed. “I don’t know how to make a photo go viral but I think this one is worth sharing—so please, share away!
The photograph that Vander Vliet posted online was originally taken by Allison Swendsen.
Luckily, publicizing the photo paid off. Thousands have seen the photo so far.
“And thank you, Paige, and ALL of the nurses and doctors, for your hard work and dedication, especially during this scary time,” Vander Vliet continued in her Facebook post.
Those who saw the photo thanks to Vander Vliet’s online post were as touched as she was.
“Thank you so much for sharing this! It warms my heart and fills my soul with gratitude,” someone said in a comment.
“Thank you to all the drs nurses respiratory therapists and all health care staff for your selflessness during this crisis.” another person said.
Thanking hospital staff is the least we can do, especially during this pandemic, but is something that is so necessary. Another way we can give back to hospital workers is by donating vital protective gear (or donating money for their purchase) to medical professionals who are having a difficult time getting their hands on bulk quantity.
If you wish to help New Jersey hospital workers stay protected during the outbreak and to help keep patients safe, please refer to this GoFundMe campaign to donate.
And before clicking out of this page, you can view the photo of the man holding the sign by watching below. His facial expression and hand on his chest is proof of just how grateful he is!
