Columbia Woman Risks Health To Shop For Others: Local Hero

COLUMBIA, MD — Despite having a compromised immunosystem, Columbia resident MichaéléWitcher continues to work two jobs during the coronavirus pandemic so that others don't have to leave their homes. Witcher was nominated as a "Patch Local Hero" by her daughter Maiah, who told Patch that her mom works full time as a federal employee and then logs extra hours as an Amazon Prime shopper at Whole Foods in the early morning hours and late at night. In fact, some days she logs 18 hours and works seven days a week.

"I see that it wears her out a little bit but she says it helps other people who cannot go get groceries. She's not a nurse, doctor or police officer, who are deserving of the highest praise, but she has lupus, which is controlled. But I constantly tell her to be careful and she doesn't let it get in her way," Maiah Witcher told Patch. "She cares for people and always thinks of how actions affect everyone else before herself. She says actions not words build character. She’s a good role model for us at home."

Michaélé Witcher shared with Patch that in her job fulfilling people's shopping orders, she keeps a safe distance from people as often as she can and wears masks and gloves. Her employer routinely checks temperatures and when she isn't working, she stays at home. Stress can cause a flare-up in someone with lupus.

"I am concerned but it’s something I learned to deal with and I do manage it. I am not having any issues now, not for a while, but I know when I should really take a break from things. I have been a single mom for a long time and do just about everything I am capable of in being independent so I tend to be hardheaded in a way," Witcher told Patch.

She personally knows people who are unable to do much for themselves due to health issues, let alone venture out in public during the coronavirus. In fact, she's been there herself. Those are the people she aims to help.

"I’ve been in that situation before when I could not do much when I had long term flare-ups. I had to really rely on everyone. Having the convenience mattered a lot. I don’t know the people whom I do orders for but often am able to communicate with them while I am shopping for them. I put myself in their shoes in a way. It really does feel good when a customer gives the appreciation. At first, I didn’t think much of it since I am a people person but I see how anxiety has gotten to so many and I just want to help even if it’s a small role. My son also works as a shopper with me and he enjoys it as well. The extra money helps and I get my exercise, which is a plus," said Witcher.

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