Carilion forensic nurse named Red Cross Medical Hero

Roanoke City student named Red Cross hero for saving teacher's life (Image 1) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - As part of our annual Red Cross Celebration of Heroes we introduce you to a woman who has worked her entire career helping those on the worst day of their lives.

Carilion Clinic Forensic Nurse Melissa Harper is this year's Medical Hero.

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She was among the first batch of Carilion nurses specifically trained to care for victims of violence who walk into the ER.

Her co-worker Lois Fritz nominated Melissa after witnessing her at work and in our community.

"I feel like to be able to do this work it's a gift, I believe it's a true gift from God. I don't believe everybody can do such sad, heavy, pull on your heart strings work every day, I truly believe it's a gift," explained Melissa.

"She's been a hero in my eyes. She's been on every single committee known to man to help victims of sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, homicide victims," Lois said.

Melissa says when she learned she was nominated and won she cried, but calling herself a hero is a stretch.

The 2016 Celebration of Heroes breakfast is on March 29th.

For ticket information you can log on to http://www.redcross.org/news/event/local/va/A-Celebration-of-Heroes-2016---Roanoke.


About the Author:

After working and going to school in Central Virginia for over five years, Lindsey’s made her way back home to the mountains.