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* Christy Gutowski at the Tribune…

The Tribune has identified and interviewed the families of nearly 50 deceased health care workers in Illinois to chronicle the devastating loss of life and acts of heroism.

They include nurses, doctors, medical assistants, technicians, therapists and other support staff who clean rooms, serve food and provide security.

The dead worked in hospitals, nursing homes, private offices or on ambulance crews and in homes as health aides. Most were minorities, including those who were Black and by themselves made up nearly half of the 112 counted. Many had an underlying health condition that made them particularly vulnerable.

Some were near retirement or had delayed it as they refused to leave their careers during a time of such crisis. Relatives compared the dedication of their loved one during the pandemic to that shown by 9/11 rescuers who did not pause when facing danger nearly two decades ago.

Go read the whole thing.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 18, 20 @ 2:54 pm

Comments

God Bless these people, those working hard to provide healthcare and services to people and their families during this pandemic. The reverse to those who refuse to wear face masks and play politics to the detriment of our society.

Comment by Norseman Friday, Sep 18, 20 @ 3:06 pm
These people were and are heroic, the nurses and others who sacrifice their lives to help all of us. It’s infuriating that so many people purposely won’t protect themselves and others in a pandemic, and the flippancy and scorn toward mask wearing and other safety measures.

Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Sep 18, 20 @ 3:39 pm
This hits close for me.

It can’t be overstated the worry families feel when they have those close to them as first responders, doctors, nurses.

It’s the 12 hour days, 6 days a week… and the stress of PPE, a chance moment of possible infection, hearing them say and talk about infecting family and friends after shifts.

My heart goes out to those who have lost.

My sincere condolences to those family and friends of the fallen.

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Sep 18, 20 @ 3:44 pm
My neighbor is an LEO with school-aged kids. His already stressful job is compounded by the worry he leaves and the protective measures he takes before re-entering through his garage door.

Comment by Jocko Friday, Sep 18, 20 @ 4:03 pm
WOW. This hits close to home. Both my wife and daughter work here in Springfield at the hospital. My daughter is close to the frontline and I worry daily. My wife her doctor sent her home in March to keep her away from the multiple doctors she comes in contact with daily. Now she’s back to three days in the office yet he keeps her away from anyone she doesn’t need to see because of her respiratory issues. I still worry.

Comment by Club J Collinsville Friday, Sep 18, 20 @ 4:09 pm
==- Oswego Willy - Friday, Sep 18, 20 @ 3:44 pm:==

OW, it hits close to me too.

Comment by Mama Friday, Sep 18, 20 @ 4:30 pm

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