PEF Nurses Who Volunteered in Puerto Rico Share Their Experiences, Concerns At The Puerto Rican Day Parade

ALBANY, NY (06/10/2018) (readMedia)-- Among the two million people marching up Fifth Avenue to the Upper East Side in the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, two nurses represented by the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) are on a float sponsored by PEF's Hispanic Committee.

They are considered heroes within their union and beyond, for volunteering their time and nursing skills when the residents of Puerto Rico needed help after Hurricane Maria made landfall on that unforgettable September 20th day last year.

Carolyn Cole and Llamara Padro-Milano were with a group of four other PEF members who stayed at the Roberto Clemente Stadium in Carolina, where they slept on army cots, showered in cold water and were given cold, dry sandwiches with one slice of ham and cheese for breakfast and lunch.

"The Harvard University study found that 4,645 Puerto Ricans died in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the number is rising. That has inspired us to be a part of this parade," said Cole. "We witnessed so much devastation when we were there, and we want to let our voices be heard as the people of Puerto Rico still need our help."

"The theme of this parade "Un Pueblo, Muchas Voces" (One Nation, Many Voices) is a reminder that this event is about cultural pride, a celebration of our ethnic heritage and an opportunity for education through the scholarships awarded, and the stories we can share," Padro-Milano said. "The public needs to know we lost precious lives due to a delay in emergency services and lack of medical care. I ask you to be an activist, volunteer your time, donate goods and supplies, and never forget."

PEF President Wayne Spence said, "Our PEF nurses were among the first to volunteer and provide health care to people in need. They deserve to be recognized and valued, as this union recognizes all our health care workers and their commitment to their profession. We not only stand by them today at this event, but will continue to fight to get them pay equity and proper staffing levels."

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