Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be on everyone’s minds. Everyday, a new headline appears, causing worry to wash over the public. How serious is the situation? Is the rate of infection decreasing? Are we flattening the curve? When is this going to end? People have rushed to stores in order to hoard hand sanitizer, masks, toilet paper, and food due to selfish motives. The majority of people seem to be caught up in this pandemic and in the midst of this all, they often forget to give thanks to those at the center of this entire pandemic: our courageous doctors and nurses.

Doctors and nurses are often tasked with the burdening job of caring for the sick; for those who are suffering. They work hard to preserve a patient’s self worth during a time of uncertainty. Even when they may not know whether their patient will see another day, they have to remain positive and hopeful. They dedicate their days to looking after and caring for those who are at their lowest point; trying to instill hope in those who may never see tomorrow.

Offering support for patients during their most vulnerable moments requires a unique sense of compassion and strength that is not evident elsewhere. Often, doctors and nurses refer to their jobs as a calling, in which they are rewarded by the impact they are able to provide. However, it is often these jobs which are described as a war field. They enter battle, and at the end of the day, they carry both mental, emotional, and physical battle scars.

So thank you to the doctors and nurses who are running towards danger, while the majority of people are retreating to safety. This pandemic was not a battle they were drafted for, but regardless, they have chosen to fight. They have considered the extreme danger of this battle and they have still chosen selflessness over preserving oneself; not just in this battle against COVID-19, but during their entire history in their profession. Thank you to doctors and nurses for caring for patients who have been affected by the virus, even when they know that their encounters with affected patients can put them and their loved ones at risk.

In this unprecedented period of time, the public has been overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, but they have remained calm, despite their responsibility, which is larger than ever. They all have always been heroes, but during this time, they have risen to be the gracious heroes, who are especially needed during this time. It is not easy work and it is difficult for most people to understand why they all do what they do. But regardless, they wake up each day, ready to battle another day. So thank you; thank you to all the nurses and doctors for all you do.