Irma Ramirez: Administering TLC for 30 Years

After 30 years of service to children at Bellevue Hospital Center, Irma Ramirez is saying goodbye. Irma was part of Pediatrics at Bellevue even before the Child Life Department was formally created in the 1970s. More than 50 admirers honored Irma at her retirement party. Among them were two of Irma's four children, past and present co-workers, and other friends from around the hospital. Those who could not attend sent their greetings and well wishes.

"In a place where the environment is constantly changing, Irma has been the steady rock for the Department," stated Gloria Mattera, Child Life Director. Other speakers described Irma as a "Mother figure," "Rock of Gilbraltar" and a "Prime example of being a good, strong woman."

The majority of Irma's hospital career was spent with inpatient pediatric services; however, six years ago she relocated to the outpatient services in the ground floor playroom. When asked if there was a particular child that touched her most, Irma responded that there were many.

Irma recalls a baby girl born with HIV, who lived at Bellevue until her death at the age of three. The little girl's father was absent and her mother rarely visited. The child began referring to Irma as "Mommy" Irma explained, "For months I told her that I'm not Mommy, I'm Irma. Finally, I thought - Why not? She can call me whatever she wants.

Another patient that particularly touched Irma was a 2 ½ year-old girl from Quito, Ecuador. Her father, a mechanic, had left battery fluid unattended. The little girl swallowed the fluid, burning her esophagus. Her father was so distraught that he would often sleep on the hospital floor next to her bed. Irma recalls telling the parents that their daughter was dying, "For a moment her mother hated me." In recent years the mother of the child visited Irma. The family had become U.S. citizens and the little girl's two siblings were attending college.

Although Irma is looking forward to more free time, she said that she will miss the children for whom she helped care. Recognizing Irma's contributions to Bellevue's pediatrics, we are thrilled that she has returned as a volunteer on the inpatient pediatric floor!

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