An AU Health and Children’s Hospital of Georgia nurse who went to Ukraine in June has received the 2022 Nurse Hero Award from the American Red Cross.
The American Red Cross of East Central Georgia held its 2022 Red Cross Heroes Breakfast and recognized Liz Curry for her work treating pediatric cardiac patients in the country. Curry was one of seven individuals/organizations chosen to receive an award from the Red Cross on Tuesday.
Curry, who was in Ukraine at the time of the ceremony, spoke about her time overseas and what the nomination meant to her in a 90-second video shown to donors, volunteers and sponsors at First Baptist Church in Augusta.
Her husband, Tom Curry, accepted the award on her behalf. Tom said it’s amazing to see a different side of his wife than he usually sees, and the last few weeks and months has reinforced for him how special she is.
“We kind of take it for granted what she does on a daily basis,” Tom said. “You know, I see a whole different personality here so it kind of reminds me how precious she is. She’s awesome.”
Liz didn’t go back to the Ukraine empty-handed. Tom said she left with 250 pounds of medical supplies, including cardiac repair kits, tubing and random medical supplies that are sorely needed in the country. The Curry family said donation after donation came in for her to take with her on the plane (once she paid the baggage check of $1500).
Curry ended her video thanking her husband and her fellow NICU nurses at Children’s for their tireless work. She said she is able to do these trips because the nurses and staff in the department are able to fill her shifts.
Liz will return to the U.S. on Sept. 24.
