This blog was originally posted in 2020. Some information may be out of date. For the latest updates on vaccines, testing, screening, visitor policy and post-COVID support, visit EEHealth.org/coronavirus.

In the midst of all the challenges surrounding a virus that’s gripping the world, there are acts of kindness happening everywhere we look.

Amelia Barone, a patient services representative with Edward-Elmhurst Health and mother of three, got to experience one recently.

Barone had returned to school and earned her associate’s degree in human services at the College of DuPage. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, her graduation ceremony this spring was cancelled. That’s when her co-workers teamed up and decided to surprise her with one.

Barone, a resident of Montgomery, is currently working at the Edward-Elmhurst Health COVID-19 testing location in the parking lot of the Edward-Elmhurst Corporate Center in Warrenville.

To honor Barone’s accomplishment, the rest of the COVID-19 testing crew hosted a graduation ceremony for her on Friday, April 10 after the last patient came through for testing that day.

Along with a graduation gown and replica of her diploma, the testing crew provided Barone with a graduation cap which was specially outfitted with a face mask and face shield.

Barone said she was surprised and a little embarrassed, but honored to be part of such a great team.

It was an act of kindness that brought some joy during an otherwise difficult situation.

How to you know if you need to be tested for COVID-19?

If you have symptoms of coronavirus (fever, cough, shortness of breath), call your physician’s office to help you determine next steps. For those with mild symptoms, your physician will likely ask you to stay home and recover. Use our coronavirus Symptom Checker.

Updated: The drive-up COVID-19 testing site in Warrenville has closed and Edward-Elmhurst Health now offers COVID-19 testing at nine convenient outpatient lab locations throughout the west and southwest suburbs. A physician order is required and appointments must be scheduled in advance.

Get the latest information on what Edward-Elmhurst Health is doing about COVID-19.