From Flamethrower to Hero
Former Wheeling U. pitcher Chapman working hard as respiratory therapist
Trending
WHEELING -- Just two years ago, Mallory Chapman was firing heaters past opposing hitters on the softball field at Wheeling University.
Now, she has traded in her softball glove and helmet for hospital gloves and a mask as she's working as a respiratory therapist at Wheeling Hospital, helping patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Chapman graduated last spring from Wheeling University with a bachelor's degree of Science in Respiratory Therapy, but there was no way of knowing what the future held.
"It's kind of crazy. You grow up pretty fast I guess," Chapman said. "When you're in your last year of college you're always picturing what your life will be like in two or three years. I can honestly say I did not picture this but I love my job.
"Before this all happened, I don't think a lot of people knew what a respiratory therapist was, which is OK. We are in charge of people's breathing and their airways.
"We have played a very big role in the patients' care but it's definitely been a big change. When the coronavirus first came out in March, we were just thinking it was a strain of the flu but as we started doing more research, we realized that it was a lot more than just a respiratory infection. We're seeing it affect the whole patient, the whole organ system. We've seen cases where people are going into kidney failure. They've been putting out research and there is something new everyday. We've stayed in touch with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and we're getting information from doctors. We are still learning a lot about it and trying to adjust our treatment along with the things we learn and we're just doing our best to help these people get through it."
Twelve-hour shifts are nothing new to Chapman and her co-workers and they are taking every precaution to keep the patients and themselves safe.
"We've always had different precautions for different illnesses but this is something brand new," she said. "The full suits, mask, goggles, gloves and face shields you see on TV, we are following those same precautions. We've been geared up to the fullest trying to protect ourselves, trying to protect our patients and trying to protect each other at work whether we are working with a patient who has the virus or not. We're taking the most precautions to keep it from spreading."
In doing that, Chapman has had to make an even bigger sacrifice in her personal life by keeping a safe distance from her family.
"It's been really hard not to see my family as much as I'd like," Chapman said. "I'm a family person and I'm close with my family. I have been socially distancing myself but it's for the betterment of all of us. Socially distancing is very important during this time.
"Thank goodness for facetime and texting. That's how we are keeping in touch right now. That's my biggest piece of advice. Call your family everyday. Tell them you love them and check up on people. This is a time where we should really come together."
Despite the hectic and stressful duties Chapman has dealt with over the last two months, it has also helped her realize that she has found her calling in life.
"The positive I draw from this whole coronavirus thing is that I had that moment when I was taking care of people and it just hit me -- 'yeah this is what I want to do,'" Chapman said. "I always try to find positives in times like this and the experience I am getting and the exposure I am getting with the ability to take care of people and putting my knowledge to the test -- I'm definitely going to be further ahead now compared to if this didn't happen."
Her co-workers at Wheeling Hospital have also made these tough times a little easier.
"All of my co-workers in the respiratory therapy department -- we've worked together and worked so hard throughout this and we have been there for each other throughout this. Our administration has been working to make sure we are safe at work and our nursing staff is great to work side-by-side with everyday.
"Also, small businesses in Wheeling have donated food and equipment to us and I'm thankful to live and work in a community that is so giving and caring in a time like this."
There is no question Chapman has found her niche in spite of all the hysteria but she can't help but miss lacing up the cleats and whistling a fastball down the strike zone.
"I've been doing this for one year and a couple of months now and it's been a great experience for me but I definitely miss playing ball," Chapman said. "Softball is a part of who I am and a lot of things I've learned in softball have carried over to now. The teamwork that we do at work, the drive and motivation you have to have -- it has correlated a lot and I think it's made me a better respiratory therapist."
Chapman turned in over 500 strikeouts in her illustrious collegiate career and as a senior in 2018, she recorded 202 strikeouts, while driving in 28 runs and belting five home runs for the Cardinals.
During the 2017 season, Chapman was named the Division II National Softball HERO of the Week for her outstanding performance on the diamond. Now, she's a hero for her heart and sacrifice in the hospital.
Some things never change.