The New York Giants today announced they have selected four local healthcare heroes to attend Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay as their guests on February 7. These guests from Hackensack Meridian Health and Quest Diagnostics were invited in recognition of their unwavering commitment to their community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Select healthcare workers from around the country, including local healthcare heroes invited by NFL clubs, will take part in various Super Bowl LV festivities at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. All healthcare workers attending Super Bowl LV will have completed their COVID-19 vaccination prior to travel.
"We are beyond grateful for the brave women and men who have continued to serve tirelessly at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Pete Guelli, New York Giants Chief Commercial Officer. "Our organization is thankful we are able to partner with Hackensack Meridian Health and Quest Diagnostics to offer a small token of appreciation to the well-deserving healthcare workers in the Tri-state area who have sacrificed and displayed so much bravery and heroism during these unprecedented times."
"We thank the New York Giants for providing this very deserving gift to two of our team members who are American heroes,'' said Robert C. Garrett, Chief Executive Officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. "Our partnership with the Giants continues to benefit our team members, our patients and the communities we are privileged to serve."
"As the NFL season culminates in Tampa Bay, we are thanking our healthcare heroes who have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Peter O'Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President of Club Business and League Events. "We are honored to salute those who have demonstrated dedication, commitment and courage and deserve our deepest gratitude and admiration."
The NFL will also recognize healthcare heroes around the country through a variety of special moments both in the stadium and during the CBS broadcast. In addition to the approximately 7,500 vaccinated health care workers, there will be 14,500 additional fans in attendance at Raymond James Stadium.
"These dedicated health care workers continue to put their own lives at risk to serve others, and we owe them our ongoing gratitude," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. "We hope in a small way that this initiative will inspire our country and recognize these true American heroes. This is also an opportunity to promote the importance of vaccination and appropriate health practices, including wearing masks in public settings."
All activities during Super Bowl Week, including gameday, will be conducted in accordance with CDC and local health guidelines.
Below are brief biographies highlighting the four local healthcare heroes invited to Super Bowl LV in appreciation of their indefatigable service.
Joseph Mannarano/Hackensack Meridian Health
Joseph, a resident of Maywood, N.J., is an interventional radiology nurse at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center. Mannarano assists interventional radiologists and technologists with procedures that involve fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or cat scan guidance. Joseph has been a registered nurse with Hackensack Meridian Health for 10 years.
Zenaida Palmros/Hackensack Meridian Health
Zenaida, of Freehold, N.J., is a critical care nurse at Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center, working in an intensive care unit taking care of a diverse population of critically ill patients. During the current pandemic, Palmros' care has focused on COVID-19 patients who have had respiratory, renal and cardiac complications. The care is not only based on physical needs, but also addressing the emotional impact of COVID-19, which has been a challenging task. Palmros has been a registered nurse for 27 years and with Hackensack Meridian Health for 25 years.
Cheryl Greenberg/Quest Diagnostics
Cheryl, a Hamden, Conn., resident, joined Quest Diagnostics in 2016. A phlebotomist, Greenberg often works additional shifts when needed to cover for staffing issues and acts as group lead on her supervisor's off days to ensure the team continues to deliver the best quality care possible to patients.
Rosa Bermudez/Quest Diagnostics
Rosa, from Southbridge, Mass., has been with Quest Diagnostics since 2013. Bermudez started as a floating phlebotomist and was recently promoted to group lead for the Northern Mass. area. She has been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic since day one.
