In the magical world of Disneyland, heroes don’t always wear capes or possess superpowers. Sometimes, they wear white lab coats and carry stethoscopes. Meet Angela Gallegos-Macias, a devoted Disneyland Resort nurse whose quick thinking and compassionate care have earned her the title of Disney Hero.
Angela, a veteran nurse with the Disneyland Cast Health Services clinic for 23 years, was honored with the prestigious Disney Heroes Award. Her heroics came to the forefront during a serious traffic accident on the 405 Freeway in Fountain Valley back in the summer of 2012. “It was a motor vehicle versus a motorcycle accident on the freeway,” Angela recalls. “I actually stopped, rendered aid, and saved his life.”
Before joining Disneyland, Angela worked tirelessly as an emergency room nurse at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Long Beach. It was there that a colleague tipped her off about a unique opportunity to work at Disneyland. Drawn by her love for the park and her passion for caregiving, Angela knew it was a perfect fit.
These days, Angela’s primary mission is to care for her Disneyland coworkers. Whether she’s running a blood pressure clinic, leading workplace safety talks, or providing flu vaccinations, Angela brings a sense of purpose and joy to her work. “If I can make a cast member feel better, more comfortable, or more confident in their health, then I know I’ve done my job well,” she says, echoing the sentiment that has guided her for years.
Angela’s role extends beyond just immediate medical care. She’s an integral part of a team that focuses on the holistic well-being of Disneyland’s employees. The clinic offers a range of services including wellness programs, discounted medications, and even child and elder care referrals. For Angela, the reward is in seeing the complete health care journey of her ‘patients’ – from diagnosis to recovery.
Her dedication doesn’t stop at Disneyland. Angela also serves as one of Disney’s public health nurses, keeping an eye on the health trends of employees at both Disneyland and Disney World. With 36,000 employees at Disneyland and 80,000 at Disney World, her work ensures that the magic continues safely.
Share your thoughts and stories in the comments. Have you ever encountered a Disney hero like Angela? Let us know!
Source: Brady MacDonald
