'Puts Her Community Before Herself': Burlington Patch Hero

BURLINGTON, MA — Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the already-vital work that healthcare workers do is more important than ever. 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 Kelsey Daniels-O'Brien of Burlington, Mass., who nominated her grandmother Donna O'Brien:

Where the nominee lives:

Burlington, Mass.

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:

Burlington, Mass.

Name of the nominee:

Donna O'Brien

Name of the person who nominated the hero:

Kelsey Daniels-O'Brien

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?

Yes

What does the nominee do for work?

Donna is a nurse manager for the emergency department at Winchester Hospital

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?

Donna is a caregiver by trade and in her personal life. She has been a Burlington resident her whole life. She had cared for her grandmother (until the age of 108! Wow!!) and mother for many years until their passing.

In 2014, she was awarded the Daisy Award for nurses for being a caring nurse and great team leader. Each day, she exemplifies selflessness, tenderness and kindness. She is someone who puts her community before herself.

Donna's sense of compassion and love is contagious to everyone around her. Her long days at the hospital, surrounded by people sick or in pain, don't affect the smile on her face. She remains calm during this stressful time and brings comfort to all with a warm heart.

Donna and the rest of her team should be recognized for their endless hours at the hospital, helping each and every patient that walks through their doors! They are our fighters against this "war" on the virus. Nurses and doctors have and always will be our heroes!

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:

Her family would like her to be recognized as a hero but we are sure that Donna would wish for her entire team at Winchester Hospital to be highlighted and recognized as the heroes they are!

Thank you for all you do, Donna!

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