While the COVID-19 global pandemic continues to take center stage around the world, the community and staff at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus held a special tribute to salute our heroes on the frontlines of this crisis. It was their turn to shine and be recognized for their hard work and sacrifice.
“Once the sirens went off, it was just this heart-warming experience to see everybody coming together,” said Lia Hales from Harris County ESD No. 48 Fire-EMS-Rescue, who collaborated with Texas Children’s to bring this event to West Campus. “We are all one, and we are all helping our community.”
On June 17, a parade of police and emergency vehicles representing several agencies – Harris County No. 48 Fire-EMS-Rescue, Katy Police, Harris County Sheriffs Office, and Community Volunteer Fire – made their way to West Campus. With flashing lights and sirens blaring, first responders waved to a cheering crowd of health care workers to show their appreciation and support for everything they do.
Ashston Tiney, a patient care assistant in the Nursing Operations Float Pool at West Campus, and her colleagues watched the parade as it passed the front entrance of West Campus and circled around the hospital where first responders thanked more frontline staff gathered outside the Emergency Center.
“I think it is amazing for our first responders to come out and take their time to show us their support,” Tiney said. “We love our community so much and we’re here to take care of them and their families.”
While some West Campus staff stood outside to watch the parade, others watched the celebration from their windows, including patient families. Staff say they were grateful and humbled by this experience.
“Many of the people who came out to support us are also on the frontlines themselves,” said Mary Reddick, Child Life activity coordinator at West Campus, who helped organize this event. “To see people wanting to give back to us in a time where we typically give back to them is very humbling.”
Texas Children’s West Campus leaders are grateful to our community partners for helping to plan and organize this celebratory event to honor our frontline heroes especially during these challenging times.
“I appreciate all of the time and effort committed to making this tribute successful,” said Gbolahan Harris, assistant director of Clinical Support Services at West Campus. “It was remarkable to see all the planning involved culminate into an uplifting experience for our frontline staff who enjoyed this shining moment.”