Alumnae Serving on the COVID-19 Front Lines

The Heroes Among Us

By Madeline Zukowski, DSHA ’11

As the entire world celebrates its frontline heroes, DSHA has women in its ranks of alumnae who deserve to be honored among this special group of people — people who are putting the needs of others before themselves. These Dasher heroes among us carry with them the Qualities of the DSHA Graduate, instilled in every student by the end of their high school career. Now, more than ever, these qualities make a huge impact — both on the DSHA alumnae and those they are serving.

During this time of crisis, the community has looked to, and continues to depend on, the frontline heroes. The setting of their work may differ from person to person — they may work in hospitals, directly in the community, or in places with vulnerable populations — but they all have a passion and drive to help their neighbors, even as it presents a risk to their own well-being.

Dozens of DSHA alumnae are these heroes. And while we honor just a few of them on these pages, they all embody what it means to be a Dasher — a confident, capable woman making an actual, tangible difference in the world for good.

They are believers. They draw on their faith that was strengthened at DSHA, and lean on this faith during this difficult time.

They are self-advocates. They assess their strength and abilities, and do their part to help whenever and however they know they are capable. With courage, they fight for what is right — for their patients and themselves— even in the midst of risk and unknowns.

They are critical thinkers. Even though their job responsibilities and roles have evolved, they adapt quickly and intelligently, making choices of life and death each day.

They are communicators. They hear from those who are struggling; they respond and they share in those struggles. They communicate using both strategy and empathy, grace and truth.

They are leaders. In constant collaboration with others, they proactively fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the effect it has on all members of the community.

While the DSHA Qualities of a Graduate were established in these frontlines alumnae during their time at DSHA or its founding schools, we are learning from them each and every day, even as they continue to discover new information themselves. They show us what it means to carry oneself with confidence, to selflessly help others, and to trust in our values and beliefs — even and especially when times are tough. We are proud to call these alumnae a part of our community.

Fred Rogers is famously quoted for saying, “When I was a boy and would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

These alumnae are quick to point to others who are helping, the people they find in their line of work that inspire them. But they deserve the recognition as well.

They are the helpers. And for that, we are immensely grateful.

Pictured is Princess Jones, DSHA ’05, a registered nurse at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. She is celebrated in a May 1 #FrontlinesFriday post on DSHA’s social media accounts.

To read about other DSHA alumnae who are serving on the frontlines, visit DSHA on Facebook @DSHAHighSchool, or Instragram @dshahighschool. Search the hashtag #FrontlinesFriday for additional stories of hope and inspiration from the Dasher community.

Samantha Erschen Thurner, DSHA ’05 Chaplain | Aurora West Allis Medical Center

While physicians and nurses care for the physical health of their patients, Sam Erschen Thurner, DSHA ’05, cares for their spiritual and emotional health in her role as chaplain at Aurora West Allis Medical Center.

With COVID-19 restrictions in place at health centers, many ill patients cannot be with their loved ones. Aurora has helped patients connect with their closest family and friends through Zoom calls on tablet or table computers, Thurner shares. When a patient is nearing death, Thurner provides end of life prayers and spiritual support to the patient and his or her family. In addition, she runs them through a life review process that helps alleviate depression near the end of a person’s life through reminiscence.

Thurner is also part of a spiritual care team for her fellow healthcare members, many of whom are working long hours due to the virus. She is there to provide support for them 24/7 through phone or virtual support groups.

As part of her role to care for her fellow healthcare workers, she is assisting in the construction of “Respite Rooms.” In these rooms, healthcare workers can take a break and rest in silence. The room is filled with prayers, reflections, and thank you cards, some of which were donated by DSHA students and community members.

Thurner said she sees the good during this difficult time from DSHA students who have sent cards that express appreciation. “Everyone is working very hard and the messages sent by students provide affirmation of the work people are doing on the frontlines of this pandemic,” she said.

Thinking back to her DSHA days, Thurner said she developed critical thinking skills that now help her to “bend, adjust, and pivot to the varied situations,” as well as a passion for service.

“I learned to serve God through others at DSHA, and I continue to do that in my daily work as a chaplain,” Thurner said. “I feel extremely called to be doing this work.”

She is inspired by the Aurora staff’s support of one another and their passion for caring for others, despite the risk of COVID-19 and isolation from family and friends. Thurner says there are so many stories from Milwaukee area hospital systems of hope and love.

“We need to remember to take a moment to step aside from the anxiety to notice all the places that God is working in our hospitals, our communities, our country, and our world,” she said.

Jennifer Cueto Gequillana, DSHA ‘89 Registered Nurse | Ascension SE Wisconsin

“Whatever your patient needs, that’s what you’re there for.”

Jennifer Cueto Gequillana, DSHA ’89, (pictured far left), a nurse directly serving COVID-19 patients, is all about meeting patient needs. Normally a pool nurse at Ascension Elmbrook Memorial Hospital, she has been deployed to Ascension’s St. Joseph’s Hospital as a member of the pandemic float team since the hospital started to see an inflow of patients with COVID-19 signs and symptoms.

“COVID-19 has affected patients both physically and mentally. They have fevers, are short of breath, have lost their appetites, and many of them are visibly scared and lonely,” Gequillana said.

Gequillana cares for positive-tested COVID-19 patients who are not on ventilators, but are considered stable. She administers medication, takes vitals, and most importantly, is someone “[her patients] can talk to.” When she’s not working, she’s quarantined herself, staying far from family and friends to protect them. Spending time apart from her whole family, even her husband, has been difficult, she shares. Her husband and adult son periodically drop off groceries for her, and talk with her while practicing social distancing. While she is able to FaceTime or talk over Zoom with friends and family, she uses much of her free time to reflect.

Because she has spent time alone and with those who are severely sick, she’s learned to lean on her faith.

“Working as a nurse during this pandemic has really taught me a lot about myself,” Gequillana said. “I realized how strong my faith is and how much I have to rely on it to continue to feel strength and hope.”

This importance of faith is one lesson of many she felt was emphasized at DSHA, but she also learned other skills that apply to her profession, including the value of self-esteem.

“I know that DSHA has helped me develop a strong sense of self with the confidence needed to deliver the best care,” she said.

But she is not fighting this pandemic alone; in fact, she says it takes a village to deliver excellent care. She receives great support from her colleagues both inside and outside of the hospital, including her sisters Josephine Liezl Cueto Sampang, MD, DSHA ’97 (pictured far right), an ophthalmologist at Aurora Health Care, and Jane Cueto Leh, MD, DSHA ’93 (pictured center), an anesthesiologist at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

However, she not only sees the good inside of the medical field; she finds hope in the individuals who are making masks and delivering meals and flowers to the hospitals. She is grateful for the members of fire departments and law enforcement who are going out of their way to celebrate the little moments of joy, and sponsors and grocery stores who are supplying free food to those in need.

Gequillana understands that familiar slogan “we’re all in this together,” and that means doing whatever she can to assist others.

“I am really grateful to be a nurse during this time,” she said. “I am proud to be able to help wherever the help is needed.”

Candice Gaenslen Beecher, DSHA ‘04 Patrol officer | West Allis Police Department

While Candice Gaenslen Beecher, DSHA ’04, isn’t directly a member of the medical community, she still plays a vital role in flattening the curve of COVID-19. She continues to respond to calls from those who need help. This has always been her responsibility, even before the pandemic hit — but now she puts herself at risk every time she assists someone in the community.

To prevent herself and those vulnerable around her from exposure to the virus, she wears a mask and gloves. The West Allis Police Department has established a number of protocols as well; her squad car and equipment are disinfected at the start and end of her shifts, and any time she will be in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, she is alerted.

Beecher has done her part to stop the spread of COVID-19 in two ways: first, she transports those who are sick or may appear to have COVID-19 symptoms to the hospital.

“Working hand in hand with paramedics and staff at the hospitals, and seeing them work tirelessly during this pandemic, has been truly inspirational,” Beecher said.

Second, Beecher has been responding to a “surplus” of calls regarding large gatherings where she orders the groups to disperse, despite the frustrations of the some of the community members. “Once we reiterate the reasoning behind the regulations, the citizens of West Allis typically respond well to our orders,” she said.

While working on the frontlines of the pandemic is tiring and difficult, she found that her work has helped her define her skill set, from responding to stressful situations to working together with medical personnel and other first responders.

She has also relied on the skills DSHA taught her: critical thinking and effective communication. However, she finds the sense of faith DSHA instilled in her has been most important during this time, and helps her continue her work.

“During this pandemic, officers are responding to people in crisis,” Beecher said. “Whether it’s related to dealing with the hardship of losing a loved one, or dealing with financial struggles, or the struggle with being isolated which is causing a rise in mental health issues, having my faith to guide me keeps me going.”

And even though we are apart, we can stand together to fight the pandemic, she noted.

“Our ability to adapt, to care for, and work with one another is key to doing our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” she said.

Anna Nicole Stein, DSHA ’12

Registered Nurse | Aurora Sinai Hospital

When the medical surgical unit at Aurora Sinai Hospital in Milwaukee became the floor for those being admitted to the hospital and being tested for COVID-19, Anna Nicole Stein, DSHA ’12, was asked if she wanted to switch units to prevent exposure.

She refused to do so.

Stein watched as the unit she once knew, usually bustling with people, become a floor of isolation carts. She became a nurse who wore full on personal protective equipment (PPE), trying to connect with other departments across the hospital remotely. She became the person meeting patient and family needs while limiting her time being physically present with her own loved ones and patients to prevent transmission of the virus.

“Although the hustle and bustle of my previous norm may have been stressful at times, nothing compares to the unknown of caring for patients with a virus we know so little about and the fear of transmitting it to others,” Stein said.

However, she’s thankful she’s able to work in medicine during this time.

“I really value being able to see the realistic impact of the disease in our community,” Stein said. “And I love to see the ability our healthcare system has to rise above the virus as I see patients heal and recover.”

It’s no doubt that Stein works intimately with others, and she credits her decision to do so to DSHA. DSHA instilled in her a passion for serving others, specifically those in her community, she said.

“What I think is most important during this time of crisis has been my faith, which DSHA helped me to explore and solidify,” she said. “My faith assures me that I can persevere through any difficult circumstance and that there will always be light after darkness.”

This light will be a slow return to a sense of normalcy. Stein said she will never take the “normal” days for granted again, nor will she look at an N95 mask in the same way.

When she returns to normalcy, so will the rest of the world. No longer will family members of ill patients struggle to stay away; no longer will hearts cover windows of homes to show appreciation and love because we can’t express it in person; and no longer will we have to stay at home to protect those most vulnerable.

But until then, said Stein, “our unity is essential.”

“The good is that we are all in this together.”

Sister Betty Vetter, SDS, DS ’61 & Sister Virginia Honish, SDS, DS ‘55

Sisters of the Divine Savior | Salvatorian Sisters Residence, Milwaukee

Sister Betty Vetter, SDS, DS ’61, and Sister Virginia Honish, SDS, DS ’55, may be considered part of the vulnerable population in regards to the COVID-19 virus, but that is not stopping them from helping the people at-risk around them.

Sr. Virginia is the Coordinator of the Salvatorian Sisters Residence, an assisted living facility for the retired Sisters of the Divine Savior, a part of St. Anne’s Salvatorian Campus. Her job revolves around ensuring that the residence, and those who work in the residence, are following guidelines mandated by the CDC and the Wisconsin Department of Health.

“All in all, we are doing what needs doing,” Sr. Virginia said. “Since the population we are working with is ‘the frail and elderly,’ we are taking every precaution possible to keep everyone safe and healthy.”

For example, Sr. Virginia oversees the employees who have their temperatures taken at the start of the work day and wear masks throughout the day; she encourages communication via notes and cards since the residents cannot have in-person visitors; and she organizes the process of serving 200 meals to the sisters’ doors, since they cannot eat in the dining hall.

Sr. Betty Vetter is one of the volunteers who helps serve meals, specifically on the weekends. As a registered nurse, she is also keeping up-to-date on the situation surrounding the virus and its frequent changes.

Because she is aware of the most recent news, she educates the other sisters. She has written safety practices for places like the Salvatorian Sisters Residence; she has also created procedures to follow if one of the sisters were to contract COVID-19. She has also communicated regularly with caregivers and the retired sisters.

“Having (procedures) written out and in place will make (everyone’s) work clearer and hopefully easier in knowing what and how to do things,” Sr. Betty said.

In addition to this, she is a medical resource for any of the sisters if they cannot see their doctors at this time.

While her fellow sisters are on her mind, her fellow healthcare workers are too. She has gathered a team of eight sisters who are assembling more than 2,000 disposable masks for medical facilities who need them.

A natural leader throughout her career in medicine, Sr. Betty has become a leader in the midst of this crisis, a trait she developed during her senior year at DS.

“The school emphasis was quite different in 1961 than it is now, but it was still about preparing young women for college and to be leaders in whatever way they would be able to do so,” she said.

Just like she is helping in the way she can, Sr. Betty has seen many examples of people reaching out to others in their time of need.

“I hope that these experiences have been able to deepen people’s faith and experience of God in their personal lives,” she said. “I hope the good things coming out of this experience continue to be part of people’s lives as we move on.”