Meet Freddie, your 2018 Hospital Hero

Editor’s note: Recently we asked our hospital employees, physicians, and supporters to nominate someone at the hospital who goes above and beyond, providing extraordinary care for our patients and their families. We were thrilled to receive so many heartwarming stories of the many people who make Packard Children’s special. Do you have more Hospital Heroes in mind? We always love hearing your stories of our staff—email us! 

“Kids remember you—they remember what you’ve done for them. When I first started working here, I came across a patient and his family whom I had previously assisted. He ran up to me, hugged my leg, and wouldn’t let go—that’s how I knew Packard Children’s was the place for me.”

Meet one of our Summer Scamper 2018 Hospital Heroes, Freddie Lopez, Patient Access Services evening supervisor at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.

Freddie and his team serve as the “first face” for patients and families. In addition to admitting and registering patients, they make it their mission to ensure they can answer questions about all areas of Packard Children’s.

“Families have the ability to choose which hospital they’d like to go to for treatment. The fact that they choose to come to us—that makes supporting them our privilege,” says Freddie.

As he puts it, Freddie was “born to serve.” Before coming to Packard Children’s, he served in the US Coast Guard, as a paramedic, as an emergency room technician, and in other roles in the medical field.

“I chose to work in Patient Access Services because that’s where I have the most opportunities to make an impact,” says Freddie, who was nominated by two colleagues to be our Hospital Hero. Both nominators highlighted his dedication to ensuring patients and families receive warm and well-informed assistance. 

“His attitude motivates his staff to follow the same—he practices what he preaches,” wrote one nominator. “He is a great, caring friend to families and a wonderful role model for the hospital staff. We are families’ first and last impression of Packard Children’s, and he makes sure every family leaves with a warm heart.”

And if this Hospital Hero could give himself actual superpowers? “I wish I could teleport myself to one place or another, or multiply myself, so I could support more patients and families,” he says.

As a donor or Scamper-er, you also make a difference in our patients’ lives.

“I encourage everyone to donate in any way or form they can,” says Freddie. “Your donation is an investment in our patients’ lives. Whenever I spend time in our treatment center or waiting areas, I’m reminded of why I’m here—to make a positive impact on these children, in any way I can. You don’t have to be a doctor or nurse to be these patients’ hero.”

Thank you, Freddie, for all that you do! Join Freddie on race day, June 24, as he participates in the 5k.