New York Knicks City Dancer Now Works on Frontline to Fight COVID-19

The novel coronavirus has brought out some of the best in humanity. Several people have dedicated their lives to help fight the virus, even when they don't need to. One of them is Tara Rappleyea, a dancer for the New York Knicks.

As the New York Knicks Dancers explained in an Instagram post, Tara has volunteered as a frontline worker. While it's not her job, she's decided to help bring relief to infected novel coronavirus patients.

On a typical night, Tara and her fellow dancers take to center court at Madison Square Garden. Their routines have become popular among fans of the New York Knicks, who fill the Garden regularly to see them perform.

However, the new coronavirus pandemic has forced the Garden to close its doors. Instead of staying home, however, Tara is doing some excellent work as a front-liner. She's currently at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Jersey. In an interview, she said about her experience so far:

"… It really hits me when I hear nurses that have been working for 20-plus years say they have never seen or worked with anything like this."

Despite the challenge, however, she pointed out that the work she does keeps motivating her. She loves being able to help people, and she has taken up the challenge with a positive attitude. Tara also credited her co-workers, who she claims have been able to help guide her.

The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" plays whenever a patient gets released from the hospital.

Apart from working with partners, Tara explained that she also takes responsibility for relaying messages between them and their loved ones.

The hospital doesn't allow visitors, so she's been extra busy. Regardless, she highlights that the work she does with the patients takes the most priority. As she said:

"It's important for me to take a moment and sit with my patients, and hold their hand to talk to them and give them a sense of comfort, safety and connection."

Given that the patients can't see their family members or relate with anyone, her job of making them feel secure is critical.

Still, it isn't always doom and gloom. For instance, she pointed out that The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" plays whenever a patient gets released from the hospital.

As she pointed out, moments like that excite her and provide a reason to push on with the work despite the challenges. She's also been able to count on her fellow Knicks City Dancers for encouragement.