Dear SEIU 121RN Members,

Please join us for a candlelight vigil on May 6 as we honor the memory of Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center Charge Nurse Celia Marcos. Celia was the kind of Nurse who’d be first in line to come to the rescue of a critical patient, no matter the risk. Despite her dedication, the hospital didn’t provide her with the proper PPE. Instead of being protected from COVID-19, she was exposed to the virus at very the hospital where she gave so much.

Celia was taken from us far too soon—just two days after she tested positive, and not long after she was exposed at the hospital, where Nurses lack the proper PPE.

On May 6, the first day of National Nurses Week, we will honor Celia—and all of our fallen Healthcare Heroes—by sharing our memories of her.

What: Candlelight Vigil for Celia Marcos, RN Where: Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center: 1300 North Vermont Ave., Los Angeles (meet at the corner of Vermont & Fountain Ave.) When: Wednesday, May 6, 6:30PM to 8:30PM* *Grab-and-go dinner will be served at 6PM, and the vigil will begin at 6:30PM. Please note that this event will follow all social-distancing guidelines. Please arrive wearing masks, and please remember to stand 6 feet apart from others at all times. Food will be handled and distributed in a safe manner.

Can't make it to the vigil? You can still help us honor Celia's memory. On the evening of May 6, take a photo of yourself holding a lit candle and post it to your social media channels with the hashtag #LightForCelia. Feel free to share a message, or, if you knew Celia personally, a memory. You may also send your photos to us at info@seiu121rn.org, and we will post them to our social media.

In Unity, Sydnie Boylan, RN Vice-President, SEIU Local 121RN

PS: There will be an opportunity at the vigil to share your thoughts and feelings on the tragic loss of our colleague. If you'd like to participate, please reply to this email with your name and phone number, and indicate when you can be reached.