Cristeros Care
Honoring 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."

Cristo Rey would like to recognize our alumni working on the front lines during the public health crisis. Not only medical workers, but also 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 an alum, please email your nomination and contact information to Elizabeth Galka, Director of College Support and Alumni Relations, at egalka@cristorey.net
 

Together with longtime partner, Big Shoulders Fund, generous benefactor, Lavin Family Foundation, and local small business, Cocina Fusion, Cristo Rey Counseling and Advancement staff have distributed 130 catered meals to our families most affected by COVID-19. And, through the generosity of almost 100 donors to Cristo Rey's COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, these families have also been provided assistance with essential needs. 

One of several thank you notes, left after a recent distribution read: "I genuinely want to thank Cristo Rey and anyone involved with the meals. It really helps my family out and I can't thank you more. From my family to you, THANK YOU!" Cristo Rey, Big Shoulders Fund, and the Lavin Family Foundation plan to sustain the program, for current recipients, through the spring.

It is Cristo Rey tradition to present class rings to all seniors during the second semester of the school year. This year’s senior class ring presentation may have looked a bit different than usual, but the tradition lives on with our Class of 2020. Despite the difficult times we find ourselves in, Cristo Rey found a way to surprise our seniors with a drive-by delivery celebration of their class rings that sparked pure joy and Cristero Pride between our faculty, staff, and the Class of 2020.

On Wednesday, May 6, the seniors were surprised by safe and social-distanced personal deliveries of this special symbol. These rings now hold an extra special meaning for our seniors, who, despite being apart,  find themselves being drawn back together.

Cristo Rey was blessed to have this moment captured beautifully by Mary Schmich of the Chicago Tribune. Please take a moment to read Mary’s heart-warming column that was featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, May 10. It will surely bring a smile to your face and happiness to your heart.