I wanted to share the story of my colleague Natasha Fuentes, Senior Manager of Business Development, Mount Sinai South Nassau. Her story is one of perseverance and inspires us all. In November 2019, Natasha and her husband, Ramon, went to El Salvador so that he could finalize his citizenship, a goal they have worked on for almost ten years. They were taking the final steps of their journey, and it was to take three to four weeks at most. Sadly, they were informed that the law had changed, requiring Ramon to remain in El Salvador for an additional six months.
Natasha returned to work, saddened and worried, but always faithful. Whenever asked how she was doing, her reply was “Thank God, I am OK and my husband is OK.”
In March, COVID-19 spread, devastating the world. Through Natasha, we learned that the country of El Salvador immediately responded, closed their borders, and all businesses were closed. They remain closed to this day. She has been unable to travel back to El Salvador and has not seen Ramon since January.
I have never seen someone as focused, dedicated, and in control. During this time, Natasha’s leadership role expanded, and she has been the calm during the storm for many. She has maintained the financial well-being of the department. When staff fell ill, Natasha stepped in without disruption to operations. And she has led with grace and compassion, extending to outside of the office. She even assisted in providing disinfecting wipes to those in need in our office. Her care and concern for others is wonderful.
Natasha’s work ethic is nothing surprising, as many will tell you, but to maintain that ethic amidst such difficulty deserves to be recognized.
Submitted by: Linda Goldstein, Intake Coordinator, Home Care, Mount Sinai South Nassau