Cleveland Browns Pick 3 Local Health Care Heroes To Attend Super Bowl LV

Three University Hospitals health care heroes have been selected as special guests of the Cleveland Browns at Super Bowl LV this Sunday (February 7).

University Hospitals leadership identified the three employees, who were selected “in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the community and for making impactful personal and professional sacrifices throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Cleveland Browns announced in a press release Tuesday (February 2).

Here are the three health care heroes going to the Super Bowl:

• Dr. Rana Hejal, Medical Director of UH Cleveland Medical Center's Medical Intensive Care Unit
• Rolando Mirandilla, registered nurse at UH Parma Medical Center
• Catherine Wilson, emergency room assistant nurse manager at UH Cleveland Medical Center

"We are so very proud that Rana, Catherine and Rolando will represent UH's amazing health care workers at the Super Bowl," said Dr. Daniel Simon, UH Chief Clinical & Scientific Officer and President of UH Cleveland Medical Center. "We are so thankful for the generosity of the NFL and Cleveland Browns in honoring our dedicated, resilient and compassionate caregivers who have sacrificed so much during this long and challenging pandemic."

Each of them will receive Super Bowl LV tickets as guests of the Cleveland Browns, as well as complementary airfare and hotel accommodations, thanks to the Browns and the NFL, the release explained. The gesture is “in testament to their tireless service and exceptional care, particularly during the past year.”

All health care workers attending the Super Bowl will complete their COVID-19 vaccinations before traveling to Tampa Bay.

"We are incredibly grateful for the consistent and remarkable efforts of all of our country's frontline workers throughout the pandemic, including our local health care heroes," said Vice President of Community Relations Jenner Tekancic. "While everyone has faced challenges this year, we have been honored to highlight many commendable individuals and groups during the 2020 season, and we are excited to close the season by thanking these three local UH representatives for their admirable work with a unique Super Bowl experience."

The Browns also recognized frontline workers through the “Hats Off to Our Heroes” campaign and other initiatives throughout the season.

"As the NFL season culminates in Tampa Bay, we are thanking our health care heroes who have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Peter O'Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President of Club Business and League Events. "We are honored to salute those who have demonstrated dedication, commitment and courage and deserve our deepest gratitude and admiration."

Read more about the selected health care heroes here.

Photo: Getty Images