KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While many of us are psyched to have the Chiefs back on the field, the start of the season provides a welcome distraction for some of our heroes off the field.
For those working in the medical community, we know this has been a difficult time for you and we appreciate your sacrifices. That's why, in honor of tonight's home opener, we wanted to highlight a couple of superfans from our local hospital systems, including Zach Jason.
Not only is he a registered nurse with Truman Medical Center, but his wife is also in the medical field. So, when the pandemic first hit, their biggest concerns revolved around bringing the virus home to their two children.
"So at first, we were degarbing before we came into the house. We've eased up on that now, now that a lot of the information is coming out that is doesn't affect kids too harshly," Jason shared.
Still, Jason acknowledges we're not in the clear yet. And, feeling COVID-19 fatigue like so many of us, he said the Chiefs' return offers a welcome bright spot during a difficult time.
"It's one thing I look forward to in my week, you know? And I think that helps us get through our shifts, those long 12 hour shifts, it's having something to look forward to," he said.
That includes passing along a time-honored tradition to his young son.
"I have a little dance I do every single time the Chiefs score a touchdown and my son mimics it, and he's three years old, it's so cute when he does, but it's not cute when I do it," Jason admitted with a sheepish grin.
While Jason hopes he and his son are doing lots of dancing this season, fellow fan Amanda Gartner is just excited to have sports back, including her favorite player.
"Well, I think everyone's favorite player has to be Patrick Mahomes," she said.
Like many, Gartner was relieved to see Mahomes re-sign with the Chiefs.
As the Director of Infection Prevention and Control for the University of Kansas Health System, Gartner's been busy, keeping both patients and staff safe.
"So we established an employee support team and they are staffed Monday through Friday. We've even had them staffed on the weekends to answer questions and ensure they can get testing performed," she explained.
But now, worries and long hours aside, Gartner said the return of the Chiefs at least feels like a small part of normal life has resumed.
"I think this is really a moment in time where it's more important than ever, and everyone is just so excited because we're bored and we're ready to see sports being played again. So I think it's a really exciting time to be a Chiefs fan," she said.
