On December 17th, La Rabida received the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Within a few short hours, we began putting them into the arms of our caregivers and frontline staff across the hospital.

This historic day was made extra special for one of our nurse practitioners, Angela Boomsma, who happened to be celebrating a birthday on the day the vaccines arrived. This year, she celebrated her big day by being the first member of the La Rabida team to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I squealed and jumped for joy when they said I would be the first one. I could not think of a better way to celebrate my birthday. This is the greatest gift that I could ever receive today. I’m thrilled and my heart is full. I have a sense of relief,” shared Angela. “It has been a really tough year and I’m just so excited.”

Staff sang 'Happy Birthday' to Angela while her vaccine was being administered.

This story was featured in the Winter 2020/2021 issue of Currents. Read the full issue here.