She Provides Comfort To Patients During Trying Times: Hamden Hero

HAMDEN, CT — 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 comes from Kathleen Brady of Hamden, who nominated Kelly Shoemaker.

Where the nominee lives:

Hamden

Name of the nominee:

Kelly Shoemaker

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:

Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:
Nurse who usually works on a pediatric floor but is now on an adult Covid floor.

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
Our daughter Kelly has been a nurse for just over a year on a pediatric surgical floor at Yale New Haven Hospital. When the pandemic started, her floor had to convert to an adult Covid unit. Kelly and her coworkers moved as a team to care for the Covid patients. She moved out of her house where she lived with her family. Kelly has to wear personal protective equipment 12 hours a day and never complains. Many of her friends are also new nurses, they all stepped up during these trying times.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Kelly is a self-less, brave individual who accepted this new role during these difficult times. She faces daily challenges with a smile on her face and provides comfort to patients who are unable to have families around.

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

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.