Press Releases

SALINAS, Calif. (March 22, 2021) — Doctors, nurses and staff of Natividad Medical Center in Salinas held a virtual vigil Sunday night to mark the anniversary of Monterey County's first death due to the COVID-19 virus. Doctors and nurses shared messages expressing their condolences, followed by a moment of silence.

Natividad staff decorated and lit luminarias to honor each of the 338 victims of the COVID-19 pandemic in Monterey County. The American Cancer Society generously donated the luminarias.

The vigil was held in the main hospital's courtyard and shared with staff members in a live Zoom meeting. The public can view the ceremony at https://www.facebook.com/NatividadInspiringHealthyLives or YouTube.

About Natividad

Natividad is an acute care hospital and trauma center providing high-quality health care to everyone in Monterey County, regardless of ability to pay. Located in Salinas, Calif., Natividad is a public health care system offering a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic and specialty medical care. Founded in 1886, the 172-bed medical center has more than 10,000 admissions and nearly 50,000 emergency visits annually. Home to the area's only Level II Trauma Center, the hospital's specialized personnel, equipment and services provide a vital local community service that saves lives and keeps patients close to home. Natividad's Baby-Friendly® facility delivers 2,200 babies each year and is affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. It also operates an accredited Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving the tiniest and most fragile babies — some as small as one pound — the best chance for a healthy start. Through its UCSF-affiliated Natividad Family Medicine Residency, Natividad is the only teaching hospital on the Central Coast. For more information, please call (831) 755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com.

Media Contact: Hillary Fish, Director of Marketing & Community Relations

fishh@natividad.com   Office (831) 783-2693, cell (831) 262-4375

Text of speech by Cassie Caldera, RN, Emergency Department Supervisor Nurse

Today, my heart is heavy as we remember and mourn all the lives lost to COVID-19 this past year. This novel coronavirus has swept over our community. It is a disease that is deceitful, baffling, and merciless.  And it has left its mark on all of us.

As an Emergency Department nurse, we are used to constant change.  Every day, we face something new, but with COVID-19, it feels like we are facing something new every 30 minutes. We have completely changed our normal practices and day-to-day operations.

COVID has been an extremely challenging experience.  Those who lost their lives and those who have lost loved ones know we did everything we could. And we grieve the losses we have suffered with you.  The heartbreakingly unique part of this pandemic is that these patients are alone, often with no family with them. But know they were not alone.  We were there holding their hands along the way. It has been a rewarding experience to do that for our patients, though extremely difficult at times.  I think we are all the better for that experience.

To our patients and their families, always know that we will continue to care for you and your loved ones, and we are privileged to serve in this community.

Text of speech given by Marjorie Balleras, RN, Intensive Care Unit Nurse

I think of you, sometimes, more often than I would like. Events flash back into my mind. I saw how you struggled to breath, how much your body had to go through, and wondered how much more can you take. I saw how scared you were. I wanted to tell you that I was scared too. I was scared for my safety, and that of my family. Caring for you was taking a physical toll on me. You were so sick, I began to question my capabilities to take care of you. There were machine, drips, and medications to give and manage. It was hard to care for you.?

When I talked to your family, it was with a heavy heart as I tried to balance giving them hope, but not false hope. When I set up zoom visits, I felt uncomfortable listening to your conversation with your wife, children, mom, dad, and other family members telling you how much they love you, how they are waiting for you to come home, how you need to be strong and continue fighting. It took all the courage for me not to break down in front of you and your family. When it was time to place the final call to your family, it was the hardest thing to do, no matter how many times I have done it in the past. It never gets any easier.

Every time I lose one of you, my heart breaks. I began to wonder how much more I can take. I began to ask myself if I can still do this. I am starting to feel numb, and I don't ever want to feel that way.

I have learned a lot during my time with you. What you and your family has been through reminded me to be thankful and appreciate the little things in life. Despite of what you have gone through, you and your family never forgot to show your appreciation. I will always treasure the note that you struggled to write after I swabbed your lips. You wrote, "Thank you for your extra service to me" You reminded me not to lose my compassion, and that little things I do matter.

Thank you for making me question my capabilities as a nurse. It made me want to learn more how I can better take care of you. There were times when I asked myself, "Did we do everything we possibly could?" I can honestly say, yes we did. When you were fighting so hard to survive, we were there fighting with you the entire time.

You gave me strength to find my voice in this uncertain time. You gave me the courage to question things, to advocate for you, for me, and the community. Thank you for reminding me that in times of uncertainty, we can hold on to hope and faith.

Lastly, thank you for reminding me that love and family are what matters most. In the end, we all want to be loved and to have our family by our side. I know I will still think of you from time to time. I hope to be reminded more of the things you taught me, and not your struggles. I hope that in a small way, I made a difference in you and your families lives amid this uncertainty, because you certainly made a difference in mine.

May your family eventually find peace. May your soul rest in peace.