Maria has a heart of gold. She saw a homeless man who often came to the café for a meal. That man would bring his pet rooster with him and leave him outside while he came in to get food.

One day, Maria found out it was his birthday, so she bought a piece of cake, gathered the staff, and went outside to sing Happy Birthday to him. On another occasion, the man was here and could not keep his rooster with him. He was very concerned about his rooster's safety, and Maria found out that animal control was there to pick it up.

Maria worked hard, reaching out to people; she knew to see if there was anything they could do to ensure the rooster was safe until the gentleman was able to care for him again. Maria reached out to a friend who had a ranch and arranged for the rooster to be picked up from animal control and taken to her friend’s ranch. The rooster was safe, the man felt better knowing his pet was being cared for, and once he was able to care for his pet again, they were reunited.

Maria went above and beyond to treat this man with the care and respect that he deserves. Maria has the true heart of a nurse!