Healthcare Heroes honored by California State Senator Richard Pan at the 2021 Filipino Fiesta of Sacramento

Earlier this month, California State Senator Richard Pan, M.D., honored Clinical Director of Oncology Services Lourdes Moldre, Registered Nurse Lynda SooHoo, Registered Nurse Maria Leonora Erespe, and Respiratory Therapist Manuel (Jay Jay) Dizon, Jr. as Healthcare Heroes with a Certificate of Recognition at the 2021 Filipino Fiesta of Sacramento.

The award was in honor of their “service on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic as a healthcare worker to the people of Sacramento and the State of California,” and expressed gratitude for their “dedication, hard work, compassionate care and personal sacrifices.”

In addition to their efforts in fighting the pandemic in their roles at UC Davis Health, the employees helped educate Filipinos about the virus and what measures could be taken to reduce transmission. When the vaccine became available, they continued their work within the community to educate community members about the benefits and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“This definitely was an amazing experience to be able to stand beside so many who have dedicated their lives to helping people,” Dizon said. “Thank you to the community leadership for putting the event together and recognizing these health care workers during these difficult times of this pandemic!”