This holiday season, many healthcare workers remain on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic, including registered nurse Karina Cuellar from San Antonio.
In April, Cuellar went to New York City to help fight COVID-19. She said it was an experience she wouldn’t soon forget.
“There was just no space for patients to be taken into rooms,” Cuellar said.
Her journey on the frontlines would not end there. Cuellar then went to Corpus Christi in July as the area saw a surge in coronavirus cases and deaths.
“After returning from Corpus, it felt like everything was somewhat getting back to normal, but of course we were expecting a second wave,” Cuellar said.
Cuellar is now in Laredo and is caring for COVID-19 patients.
“I received a call last week saying that the cases were rising, and they needed a lot of help here,” Cuellar said.
The City of Laredo and Webb County said in total, more than 390 people have died due to COVID-19 and more than 120 people are currently hospitalized.
“People are actually sick, and people are suffering,” Cuellar said.
This Thanksgiving, Cuellar is doing what she loves and is caring for patients as they battle the coronavirus.
Despite the pandemic and its impact, Cuellar said overall, she still has a lot to be thankful for this year.
“My family. I won’t get to be with them but I’m grateful that they’re healthy, my friends,” Cuellar said. “I’ll get to be with people that aren’t with their families either. Patients, they’re scared, and they want to be with their families too. So, I’m grateful to be able to share that with them.”
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