My mom was getting surgery; she is only Spanish-speaking. Many times, I have to accompany her to medical procedures or appointments because there may be no Spanish interpreters, so medical professionals will gloss over details (even when my mom does not understand them), and there is clearly a language barrier. However, this time it was different.

Gina took it upon herself to make sure the doctors used a Spanish language interpreter/translator prior to signing consent forms. This allowed my mom to take full autonomy over the care she was receiving as a patient. I appreciate that Gina stood her ground and protected my mom’s right to be fully informed about her care and have full, clear knowledge to give her consent for the surgery, regardless of the pushback from the doctors. I’m usually the one advocating for my mom to get translation during medical visits, but knowing that Gina was advocating for her patient (my mom) on her own made me feel extremely grateful. Her kindness to my mom really helped make both my mom and I feel less nervous about the surgery, putting our minds both at ease. I cannot thank her enough for that small act that made such a positive impact on us on that day.