Modern Day Heroes: A Story of Hope and Resilience.

Modern Day Heroes: A Story of Hope and Resilience.

The emergence of the COVID-19 virus has become an indispensable concern to the public, as it affects everyone regardless of age, race, gender, and status. As cases continue to escalate, so does the demand for healthcare services. Health workers and frontliners have been working tirelessly to provide quality care for their patients in spite of the odds of recovery. Today, we will witness the story of a modern hero who is willing to serve on the frontlines despite the risk brought by the COVID-19 virus.

Hannah Lynn Des Ostria has been working as a Respiratory Therapist in Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) for the past three years. One of the reasons why she chose this profession was her grandfather, Lolo Filemon Granzon Sr., who died last 2009 due to emphysema. She had always wanted to extend her hand to people who needed help ever since.

Last March 17, 2020, the government declared the Philippines under the state of calamity due to the arrival of the COVID-19 virus. Medical institutions and workers across the country began preparing in response to the pandemic. When Hannah got wind of the news, she became worried. And rightfully so, because as a frontliner she will come into direct contact with afflicted patients. Apart from the threat to her personal safety, she was also worried about how she herself could potentially put her own family into risk. In the end, she remembered that she still has an oath to fulfill as a health worker, and became resolute in doing her duty: to care for the sick and needy.

She has served as a frontliner for more than half a year since the start of the pandemic, and it can't be denied that she has started feeling weary and tired of this seemingly unending crisis. And yet, the expressions of gratitude painted on the faces of the people who are satisfied with her service take away her fatigue. Those faces remind her of why she is here, and why she must keep going.

Throughout her career, the little moments when her patients smile at her and say "Thank you" after taking their PFTs (Pulmonary Function Test) give her the same rush of joy and motivation as they always have. She has also handled COVID-19 patients, and one memorable experience she had was a patient telling her "Balik-balik ha!" after treatment. These kinds of responses made her feel blessed to be there for them during their toughest times, and it elates her to see them fighting against the challenges they face. The idea of bringing true difference to the lives of her patients motivates her to strive for excellence in everything she does. Hospital work may wear her down but the bible verse Isaiah 43:2 reminds her that GOD is with her in everything she does may it be through the good and the bad. As she continues to face battles through this pandemic, she knows she is not in this fight alone because God is guiding her on the frontlines. She wants to tell the other frontliners to put their trust in the Lord, and everytime they put on their protective gear, their gloves, and their PPEs, they must remain humble and dedicated in rendering their service as they are there for the patients under God's will.

This pandemic may have brought severe losses, but these tough times teach us to appreciate what we have, to be kind, to be strong for ourselves and for others, and to give hope. We must appreciate the hard work of those who are risking their lives to help the afflicted and to save the rest of us from contracting the virus. May this story also teach us to be dedicated and derive happiness from the well-being of others, just like these modern-day heroes in their field, who deserve our recognition, commendation and respect.

✒️ William Jefferson P. Granzon and Patrisha Cabahug.

BANTUGAN 2020