For her day job, Donna LaMonaca is a Supervisory TSA Officer at the Johnstown-Cambria County Airport. At night she becomes a superhero to many senior citizens.
Over the last few weeks, LaMonaca spends time during the overnight hours helping seniors without computer access or email get appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
LaMonaca has found that overnight hours are when a number of vaccination clinics and pharmacies post their available appointments.
She sets alarms throughout the night at times the appointments are typically posted. She uses two computers, three cell phones and three tablets to try to get appointments as quick as possible. “I might refresh 100 times in two minutes,” she explains because the appointments go fast.
It all started with LaMonaca helping some of her elderly relatives get appointments. From there news of her ability to help spread through word of mouth and so far she's helped set up over 50 appointments.
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“A lot of the seniors who I’ve helped give me a phone number of a friend,” LaMonaca said. “They are usually high-risk seniors, maybe someone who has cancer. I get them an appointment and I drive some of them to their appointments when I have the day off. I’ve driven the two hours to Pittsburgh probably five times.”
For those seniors who live close to Johnstown, LaMonaca will often times print out the appointment information and delivery it personally to those people.
“I’m happy to help. One woman called me afterward. She was so happy she had her vaccines because she said she could finally see her grandchildren and give them their Christmas gifts,” she said.
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LaMonaca's 13-year-old song even gets in on helping. “He comes with me when we take people,” she says. “He uses a checklist of what they need to bring such as photo ID, insurance card, and he helps them fill out paperwork before we get there to speed up the process. He's a good egg and he's putting a lot into this too. It's sweet to see him walk the older ladies in” for their appointments and “help them with their coats, and sit and talk with them while we wait.”
Usually after their vaccination appointments, LaMonaca will take the seniors for ice cream.
“Donna has a big heart and a genuine compassion for others,” said Karen Keys Turner, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the region. “Her dedication to her community is admirable. She serves as a role model for her fellow TSA officers because she is someone who leads by example. I’m sure she has instilled in her children these same values of the importance of stepping up and giving of your time and energy to help others in need.”