One night, a husband was in the hallway sobbing and upset after hearing that his wife had cancer. He was screaming and hollering in the hallway. Elvira came by, with her gentle voice, "I hear you". He went and kept yelling, she still with her calm voice said, "I hear you". He broke down in tears as she guided him out of the hallway and into a room where he can process the news that was given to him and his wife. Just as Elvira was there for the patient's husband, she is there for everyone in the unit. Elvira is the most empathetic nurse that I have ever worked with. Whatever day, whatever news, whatever burden you carry that is heavy; Elvira is the shoulder and that gentle voice.
The American Nurses Association has named 2017 as the Year of the Healthy Nurse. At age 60, she runs 5K, 10K and half marathons. She is a regular volunteer at the annual Houston Marathon. And in April 2017, she also volunteered as a nurse for The Vintage Park Half Marathon, which is also held in Houston. At the Vintage Park Half Marathon, Elvira learned that a runner was lost. Without hesitation, she deviated from the course to search for the lost athlete. When she found the runner, she realized that he was blind. "Sir, I will help you finish the race," she said to him. "Let me be your eyes and your guide." Elvira held his hand and redirected the athlete to the course. She then continued to hold his hand as she ran the last mile of the race with him.
Elvira continues to be a dedicated and passionate advocate for her patients and colleagues. Her passion positively impacts every life she touches, including mine. She inspires everyone at LBJ Hospital.