22/05/2020
Not all superheroes wear capes, most of them battle an invisible threat without real superpowers. Our healthcare workers are the real superheroes of today, armed only with their selfless devotion to duty. In our series ‘COVID Heroes’ we feature individuals who have made our community and society proud by risking their lives for us.
Mary Kolembel, Nurse officer, Lilavati Hospital, Bandra
While many of us have the privilege of working from the comfort of our homes, brave nurses, doctors and many more, are risking their lives to save ours. Mary Kolembel, a Nurse officer at Lilavati Hospital, Bandra, positioned in the Operation Theatre, is one of these brave personnel on duty. While the experience of being a nurse, during this pandemic, is scary, because of the ignorance and the lack of awareness, Mary finds it rewarding to see patients being discharged, after a full recovery.
Physical and mental well-being is a challenge during a situation like this, but Mary is thankful for the measures that are being taken by the hospital, to ensure the physical well-being of the personnel, like providing PPEs, transport, food and boarding, all free of cost. For her mental well-being, Mary says, “I strongly believe in Jesus, and I actually keep repeating, ‘I am vaccinated with the Blood of Christ, and no virus can touch me,’ and that gives me strength.”
According to Mary, it is only her Christian values that have sustained and inspired her to help and reach out. While those who have contracted the Corona Virus, usually come in depressed and hopeless, Mary supports them on their road to recovery by doing all that she can.
To further combat the spread of the Corona Virus, Mary has shared health tips that can be put into practice in our everyday routine. She advises us, to sanitise objects of daily use such as keys, footwear, and money after returning home. Another pro tip from this health care professional is to use articles that are washable, especially bags.
During this time of crisis, Mary’s message of hope to the people of the Archdiocese is, “Stay Home, Stay Safe, Be Positive, and we will get through this. Don’t let any small virus destroy you.“