Lakeland #HometownHero nurse Regina Wilkins is ready for her flight with Blue Angel #7 today at #SNF21!
At each show the Blues attend, show organizers nominate a deserving individual from the local community for a special ride-along to acknowledge outstanding service. This year, SUN ‘n FUN officials partnered with Lakeland Regional Health (LRH) and requested that someone from the front lines during the COVID crisis be rewarded with this honor.
SUN ‘n FUN Airshow Director and CMO Greg Gibson got the nomination from April Novotny, LRH Chief Nurse Executive and Vice President, Clinical Services. The deserving candidate choice was difficult as so many have served so heroically, but Medical Intensive Care unit manager Regina Wilkins stood out among her peers. The MICU has been the epicenter of care for the most critically ill COVID patients at LRH, and she has spent countless hours at the bedside, working days, nights, and weekends to support her team and our community. Regina will fly with Blue Angel #7 on Wednesday, April 14th during SUN ‘n FUN.
Regina is thrilled, and praised her coworkers, saying, “It is an honor and privilege to be given this once in a lifetime opportunity to fly with the Blue Angels. I have been truly blessed to work with such an amazing group of leaders and team members throughout this pandemic.”
Only one could ride with the Blue Angels, so SUN ‘n FUN asked for 19 other honorees from LRH to come out and enjoy VIP treatment at the event as well. They will have passes and special access throughout the event week.
“Lakeland Regional Health is so touched that SUN ‘n FUN has chosen to honor our diligent healthcare workers. We are grateful to see our nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, housekeeping, and support team receive this much-deserved and extremely thrilling recognition that will be celebrated by the worldwide audiences that SUN ‘n FUN attracts each year,” said Novotny.