When we or any loved one is sick, we count on our health professionals to get us through the challenge.

As we’ve seen during the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers are putting their lives on the line in the service of others.

I’ve witnessed it in person while being hospitalized recently for illnesses not related to COVID.

To all the doctors and nurses and everyone else keeping me upright, thank you.

One way to show our gratitude — while investing in the Valley’s future care — is with a donation to the Alice Peters Nursing Scholarship Program at the Community Medical Foundation.

I gave today, as did Heather Rodriguez, vice president of nursing at the Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital.

“During this impossibly challenging year, our nurses have pulled together for the greater good — for our patients and their families, for each other and for our Valley — and made miracles happen,” Rodriguez said.

“To show my appreciation, I am donating $100 to support a nurse’s scholarship, just like a donor once did for me.”

Scholarships Help With Costs and Provide Encouragement

Your giving supports the continued education of nurses at Community Medical Centers. In addition, these scholarships deliver a thank-you for the work done and a lift for the road ahead.

“I was lucky enough to be the recipient of a scholarship,” says quality management coordinator Julie Gilpin. “The scholarships offer more than financial assistance. … (It’s) knowing that people believe in you.”

Wayne Hart, an emergency room clinical supervisor, says that landing a scholarship “made a big difference” in his career.

“Without the money and help from these generous donors, I don’t think a lot of nurses could move on and raise their degrees,” Hart said.

Brianna Watson, a cath lab nurse, said the scholarship she received has “meant the world to me.”

Working with one COVID patient, in particular, “has touched my life,” Watson said, by making her realize “we can all be a big blessing (by doing) whatever is in our hands to do.”

You can donate to the Peters nursing scholarship fund at this link.

Watch: Nurses Say Thank-You for Their Scholarships