Cristeros Care

Recognizing Cristo Rey Alumni on the Front Lines of the Pandemic

In honor of National Nurses Week, Cristo Rey’s first installment of Cristeros Care recognizes Gabriela Padilla (CR’12). Gabriela is a registered nurse working at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Gabriela was nominated by Cristo Rey English teacher Carolyn Alessio.

Ms. Alessio: “So, I nominated Gabi because I have always been impressed by her quiet determination, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. She was equally impressive playing a squeaky ghost in a classroom play of The Odyssey during sophomore year as she was working at Athletico while in nursing school (She had already earned an undergraduate degree from Georgetown). I wasn’t surprised at all to hear that wise and kind Gabi was working with COVID patients!”

Gabriela Padilla: "I'm Gabriela Padilla class of 2012, and I am currently working as a registered nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center. I started working as an RN in January, but since April 1, my unit became one of seven designated COVID units in the hospital. As a new grad RN it has been quite challenging since I had only completed orientation a month before my unit was reassigned to a COVID Unit. This situation has showed me that I should be strong on behalf of all my patients and show them love during these lonely and frustrating times. I have listened with patience and care, I have been their friend, their helping hand and their nurse. Not a single day is the same and I am grateful that I can be there to help those in need."

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Cristo Rey is recognizing our alumni working on the front lines - medical workers, first responders, those working in food service, transportation, and other essential positions – anyone who is going above and beyond at their own risk. If you would like to nominate a CR alum, please email your nomination to Elizabeth Galka at [email protected]