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Recognizing an extraordinary person

Tara Keif

Dear Editor,

I’d like to recognize a friend and co-worker for her valiant efforts to go above the call of duty and without question, accomplish what we at Heritage Park Care Center call “Whatever It Takes.” Alane Zipfel, LPN, is not only our Restorative Nurse here at the Carbondale nursing home but a hero of many sorts.

On Friday, Aug. 23, there was a fatal car accident on Interstate 70. I approached the scene at 5:30, about a half-hour after the crash. Though anyone’s first reaction to such a situation is one of concern, mine was multiplied infinitely because the woman I saw lying on the ground was my friend from work, Alane.



After pulling off to the side of the road, I was relieved to see that my friend herself was unhurt. She had seen the accident and was offering her professional skills and assistance to the paramedics who had now arrived. She lay next to the badly injured driver of one of the vehicles, holding a neck brace on him and periodically checking his pulse.

Several other bystanders and I were somewhat panicked but willing to help in whatever way we could. Alane, however, was completely levelheaded throughout the ordeal and knew exactly what needed to be done at the scene and at home. After asking me to call her babysitter to make sure her 5-year-old son was picked up from school, she continued to assist the medical professionals and help instruct those who were unsure of what to do. She was amazing!



We are all immensely blessed to live in a world sprinkled with people like Alane, people who jump at the opportunity to help in whatever way they can, possibly saving lives in the process. I hope that I can someday become the nurse she is.

Sincerely,

Tara Keif

Heritage Park Care Center Activities Director and CNA


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