There is no doubt that each of us have been effected differently by the 2020 pandemic. While some of us have the luxury of working from home, others are risking their lives daily to save ours. I had the opportunity of photographing just a few of the many heroes on the frontlines. I’m honored to bring to light their unique stories + show a glimpse of who they are behind the mask. Nothing would be enough to pay them back, but the very least we can do it recognize them and display them in the spotlight they deserve. Stay tuned for more heroes to come. #behindthemask

NURSE #5 OF BEHIND THE MASK: GIA.

QUESTION: Why did you become a nurse?

GIA: "As a kid I watched my oldest sister go through medical school was obsessed with going through her notebooks. I originally wanted to be a doctor, but I realized in college how important the role of a nurse is and how much more I could help others, and changed my major to nursing."

QUESTION: How long have you been a nurse? And what department? 

GIA: "I have been a nurse for almost 4 years now. Upon starting my career I worked in Pediatric Hematology & Oncology for about 3 years. For the last year I have been working in Pediatric Critical Care on a Stepdown ICU unit."

QUESTION: What have you sacrificed during the pandemic and how has it changed you? 

GIA: "I definitely sacrificed valuable time with my family. My husband was diagnosed with Covid-19 as soon as testing began. I had to isolate myself and our son from my husband and was unable to care for him as I wanted to. As a nurse, this was one of the hardest positions I’ve ever been in. Our first instinct is to take care of the sick and having to choose my son and myself over being a good wife and nurse, and take care of my husband was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make. But overall I think it made us stronger and definitely made me realize how difficult single parents have it." 

QUESTION: Words of wisdom. What would you like to tell the World that they may not currently know/understand?

GIA: "Enjoy your loved ones and don’t take time together for granted, but also understand this virus is real. The facts are real and not everyone gets lucky and comes out alive." 

QUESTION: What are your interests outside of work?

GIA: "Currently being a mom and working on home improvements. But being a mom is definitely number one!" 

QUESTION: Fun/interesting fact about yourself. 

GIA: "I’m a twin and we both chose nursing as our careers."

NURSE #4 OF BEHIND THE MASK: LAUREN

QUESTION: Why did you become a nurse? 

LAUREN: “Although I’ve always had a joy for the medical field, the fitness industry had taken over the majority of my life, so I was honestly unsure if becoming a nurse would be for me. However, since becoming a nurse I feel its created the perfect balance in my life. I love my job and I love the fact that I have nursing under my belt. It can lead into so many directions until you find which aspect of nursing fits best for you, with an ultimate goal of always helping others.”

QUESTION: How long have you been a nurse? And what department?

LAUREN: “I’ve been a nurse for 2.5 years. My first and only job has been in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. We take care of a wide range of ages, anywhere from newborn babies up to 17 year olds. I think that’s why I love it so much.”

QUESTION: What have you sacrificed during the pandemic and how has it changed you?

LAUREN: “I feel extremely thankful that I have not had to sacrifice too much during the pandemic. Fortunately, no kiddos on our unit were positive nor has our unit experienced any covid cases. I truly find that as a blessing, not only for myself, but for the pediatric population in general. I’ve witness unfortunate things at my job, so I was very worried about our population and how badly Covid-19 could affect them. We took precautions and initially prepared for the pandemic by creating a special unit within our children’s hospital. Luckily, we didn’t have to make use of the unit.”

QUESTION: Words of wisdom. What would you like to tell the World that they may not currently know/understand? 

LAUREN: “Working on my unit, I think what has opened my eyes the most is that your life can literally change in an instant. With that said, my words of wisdom wouldn’t necessarily be from a healthcare standpoint, but more from a “life” standpoint. I’ve seen families lives change instantly from unfortunate events that are never planned for. Embrace every single second you have with the ones you love!”

QUESTION: What are your interests outside of work? 

LAUREN: “I love fitness, exercise, playing sports, etc. Everyone who knows me, knows that’s my passion and part of my everyday life! I enjoy working hard, feeling happy with my health, and earning yummy meals! Other than that and lounging at the beach, I LOVE being around good company. I truly cherish the friends and family I have in my life.”🤍

QUESTION: Fun/interesting fact about yourself. 

LAUREN: “When I was in my 20’s I donated my eggs to families in need. It’s weird think that there may be little humans running around with some of my genes, but overall I’m very happy to have been able to help others create a family and happiness, as sometimes it can be a challenge.”

NURSE #3 OF BEHIND THE MASK: BRITTANY

QUESTION: Why did you become a nurse?

BRITTANY: "My entire life, I have always found myself wanting to care for others, to make their life better in whatever way I could. Becoming a nurse was truly the start of my career to live the life of giving in all aspects, both personally and professionally. Acts of service and love is what makes my heart the happiest, whether it’s inside hospital walls here or in developing countries. Being that person a family or stranger trusts in the most vulnerable time of their life, is one of the biggest honors one can have. A nurse can change, inspire and motivate others to be and do things they never thought they could, my job is to love on people and see them through the scariest days."

QUESTION: How long have you been a nurse? And what department? 

BRITTANY: "I have been a nurse for a little over five years. I work trauma critical care and just recently started a second job in the emergency department, to help add to my skill set and make me stronger when I do field medicine mission trips." 

QUESTION: What have you sacrificed during the pandemic and how has it changed you? 

BRITTANY: "This pandemic has changed me in so many ways. Emotionally and mentally, and I honestly think no healthcare provider will come out of this the same. The ability to connect with our patients, family, friends and coworkers has completely changed. I crave the feeling of human touch, hugging a patient or family, and seeing good outcomes. It’s hard to feel helpless. I’ve sacrificed a lot, but it is part of the job. It’s my job to keep my family and friends safe by self isolating. I don’t really sleep anymore, I don’t get to see or interact with friends or family as I wish. Yet, the reason behind it is worth it. Honestly, it takes a very hard hit on my emotions for families of those ill, and families of healthcare providers." 

QUESTION: Words of wisdom. What would you like to tell the World that they may not currently know/understand?

BRITTANY: "Love each other. In this time and always. You never know when the last time you will see someone is. You never know what your last words will be. Listen to those working closest to this virus, we just want you to stay safe and not see you in the hospital because it hurts to watch people suffer. I know it’s hard and stressful, I know it’s hard to understand, but trust me - it’s the best thing for you and those you love. Be patient, be kind, be loving, always say what you mean and mean what you say. I have had to watch too many families say goodbye over FaceTime and that will never leave me." 

QUESTION: What are your interests outside of work?

BRITTANY: "Im a homebody! I love my family and our traditional Sunday dinners. My next passion is mission trips, which I do very frequently to developing countries, it is one of the most fulfilling and fun things I have ever done. I love to be active outside on nice days and I’m guilty of a Netflix binge here and there."

QUESTION: Fun/interesting fact about yourself. 

BRITTANY: "I can hold my breathe for a really long time and I’ve danced my whole life."

NURSE #2 OF BEHIND THE MASK: ERICKA

QUESTION: Why did you become a nurse?

ERICKA: “I’ve always had an interest in the medical field since I was a little girl and taking care of those in need. I absolutely love helping others.”

QUESTION: How long have you been a nurse? And what department? 

ERICKA: “I’ve been a nurse for over 5 years and I currently work in the Emergency Department.”

QUESTION: What have you sacrificed during the pandemic and how has it changed you? 

“During this pandemic, I’ve sacrificed the ability to be there for my family and friends during difficult times. I have watched the sacrifice that my patients families had to make during their loved ones final moments and it has made me appreciate the connection we have as humans, how much we rely on each other, especially times like these. I am grateful for the unconditional love and support I receive from my work family, family and friends.”

QUESTION: Words of wisdom. What would you like to tell the World that they may not currently know/understand? 

ERICKA: “Be kind. We are all in this together and we each have our struggles, we shouldn’t have an “every man for themselves” mentality. Be kind to each other, animals, and Mother Earth and always wash your hands.”

QUESTION: What are your interests outside of work?

ERICKA: “Working out, yoga, scuba diving, gardening is my new favorite hobby.” 

QUESTION: Fun/interesting fact about yourself. 

ERICKA: “I used to be in an improv group and minored in theatre.”

NURSE #1 OF BEHIND THE MASK: KAREN

QUESTION: Why did you become a nurse?

KAREN: "I could tell you that it was because I love helping people or because my mother is a nurse and she’s my hero, but honestly it had to do with when my nephew was born. He was in the neonatal ICU and I was only a little girl, but remember hoping that all those ladies in the white clothes could help us get him better and they did! They gave my sister HOPE and reassurance. Their comfort and knowing they were doing everything they could gave me a feeling that I can only hope to pass on to my patients families when they leave their loved ones with me. Especially during this trying time when visitors are not allowed in the hospital."

QUESTION: How long have you been a nurse? And what department?

KAREN: "I became a nurse in May 2014 and I currently work in the emergency department."

QUESTION: What have you sacrificed during the pandemic and how has it changed you? 

KAREN: "It kept me away from my family and friends for months at first. I was scared to even come home to my husband and child. I contemplated quarantining myself in a room. It has made me realize how important life is and to take full advantage of spending more time with my family and friends, because in reality the whole time all I’ve been missing is giving hugs and being in their presence. I’ve always suffered from anxiety a bit, however this pandemic has worsened it. I’m working to find ways to manage it. Speaking to mental health colleagues has helped a lot (I’m very thankful for them). I am also extremely thankful for my colleagues that work by my side. Teamwork makes the dream work! We look out for each other all the time and it helps me with my mental health."

QUESTION: Words of wisdom. What would you like to tell the World that they may not currently know/understand?

KAREN: "If this virus hasn’t affected you personally or anyone you know you should feel very blessed and lucky. There are a lot of people that weren’t so lucky. Holding someone’s hand while they suffered on their own was one of the hardest things I have had to do in my life."

What are your interests outside of work?

"I love spending time with my family and friends and going to the beach. I like working out at my own little gym in my garage...we named it after my son’s least favorite exercise 'Gym Tummy Time.'"

QUESTION: Tell us a fun/interesting fact about yourself?

"I can do a back flip."