February 4, 2021
In recognition of their unwavering commitment to our patients and the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, four vaccinated Texas Children’s health care heroes were selected to attend Super Bowl LV in Tampa, Fla. The NFL and Houston Texans are treating our team members to this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Those chosen to attend Super Bowl LV are:
- Kaitlin Hernandez, Respiratory Therapist
- Bhumi Patel, RN
- Dr. Matthew Pesek, Medical Director, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus
- Matthew Rivera, RN
Dedicated to our patients amid the pandemic
Hernandez, Pesek and Rivera have worked in the Special Isolation Unit (SIU) at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus since March. Patel has worked on 15 West Tower at the Medical Center Campus caring for COVID-positive acute care patients throughout the pandemic.
“I’ve worked in the SIU for many years,” Hernandez said. “This is what we’ve trained for.”
“Because we were prepared, we were able to care for children with COVID-19 effectively and safely very early on in the pandemic,” Pesek commented.
“Working in the SIU has been the most enjoyable work I’ve ever done in my nursing career,” Rivera added. “I can’t say enough about the team we work with.”
They all note that while this past year was challenging, their training and support from the Texas Children’s community and their families helped them get through some of the toughest days.
“I’ve had so many opportunities to grow and become the nurse I am now,” Patel said. “I love working for Texas Children’s and can only imagine what the future will hold.”
Gearing up for the big game
On Tuesday, TORO and the Houston Texans Cheerleaders surprised our health care heroes with a special send off, complete with Texans gear, a travel kit and more.
“I’m not really an emotional guy, but when they told me I was going to the Super Bowl, I was emotional and shocked,” Rivera said.
Health care workers from across the country, including our four selected health care heroes, will have completed their COVID-19 vaccination prior to traveling to the big game.
“I feel blessed to be vaccinated,” Rivera said. “I trust the science and the doctors around me.”
“I’m so grateful that we were able to get vaccinated so quickly,” Patel added.
Each team member received a roundtrip flight on United Airlines, two-night hotel stay and a ticket to the game, among other items.
All activities during Super Bowl week, including game day, will be conducted in accordance with CDC and local health guidelines. Health and safety precautions, such as increased physical distancing, face coverings, hand hygiene stations, first aid areas and directional signage will all be in place to create a safe environment for all individuals in attendance.
“It’s incredible that people are noticing and recognizing the work we do. It makes us all feel so good,” Hernandez said.
“This is a huge morale boost for all of us who have been working so hard throughout the pandemic,” Pesek added. “It’s amazing that the NFL is going out of its way to recognize thousands of health care frontline workers who are doing an incredible job, day in and day out.”
Texas Children’s is the Official Children’s Hospital of the Houston Texans. To learn more about our partnership, visit texaschildrens.org/texans.