Front Line Fighters: Profiles Of Coronavirus Local Heroes
STONY BROOK, NY — As Long Islanders practice social distancing and make personal sacrifices as part of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, many look to those on the front lines as inspiration. Patch will be highlighting Long Islanders who are going above and beyond in their work and community to help during the COVID-19 health crisis.
Today's hero in the Three Village area was nominated by Michelle Chindamo, an LPN who works at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook. The Veterans Affairs nursing facility announced they had 20 cases of COVID-19 among residents on April 3. Chindamo finds herself inspired by her colleague Phyllis Boccio.
Boccio is an RN from Centereach. Chindamo told Patch how she balances the demands of her occupation with her role as a mother.
"She is a mother of three beautiful children, currently breastfeeding her youngest. She attends work every day, saving countless guys and giving the best care she can. Every day she goes on a lunch break and instead of relaxing she takes her one opportunity to pump, eat lunch, check on her family and use the bathroom. Within a few minutes she's back out on the floor giving her coworkers and her residents amazing care. I am so lucky and privileged to have her on my unit knowing my residents are getting the best care."
If you know someone who should be featured—a health care worker, a first responder, a volunteer or anyone making a difference— email us at jboydsweet@gmail.com to nominate your local hero.
This article originally appeared on the Three Village Patch
