Gabriella Amatuegwu’s 10th birthday was approaching, and she was excited about her first double-digit celebration. Her family planned a big party at the clubhouse of their Farmingville apartment complex. Then COVID-19 intervened.
“She was disappointed when I told her that we couldn’t have a party because of everything that was going on and I explained it was also the reason school was cancelled,” said her mother, Camille Amatuegwu. “Everyone except ‘essential workers’ had to stay home. That’s what started it.
“She wanted to know what essential workers meant and when I explained it, she was concerned for their safety as well. I told her how important it was for them to be working, especially those taking care of the people who were sick and affected by this. She thought that was a big deal and when I asked if she’d like to do something special for them, she was beyond excited.
So, the Amatuegwu family decided to celebrate Gabriella’s birthday by providing the night shift in Mather’s Intensive Care Unit with a pizza dinner. “I thought it was a great gesture. Her exact words were ‘That’s so good. Heroes need to eat, too!’ I loved that it brought some joy during such trying times to the staff,” said Ms. Amatuegwu. “I read the birthday wishes and notes of thanks from the Facebook page and was blown away by the idea of them thanking us. They’re the ones who truly deserve a big thank you!”