The After Hours Walk

This past weekend the “After Hours Walk” at the Memorial Hospital & the Burgess Pavilion was spectacular! As cast members of the “White Coats and Caring Hearts” production, we were able to continue Part 2 of the production at these two sites. Our last production was the 2019 Historic Oakdale Walk in the Oakdale Cemetery. We portrayed giants in the medical field who fought for the lives of patients and the right for needed hospitals in the 1900s. I portrayed Amanda Worthy, nurse and mid-wife. She delivered babies, black and white. She also housed black patients in her home so that they could discreetly recuperate from surgeries that were done in secret by white doctors who risked their lives and careers to help. Colored people were allowed to have minimal medical care but they were not allowed to have the privilege of surgery and sometimes prescription medication during the 1900s. In our acting production, we portrayed doctors who risked their lives to put patients first, regardless of color or race. Many white doctors risked their lives to help black patients in a time when black people were not allotted medical treatment or other services on the same level privilege-wise. Our tour guides did a fantastic job touring our guests through the Memorial Hospital and the Burgess Pavilion.

At first, I was nervous during one of my performances, but it was overwhelming how the audience received me. Each audience during their tour approached me and was elated at my performances. There were so many warm smiles, compliments and lots of hugs.

Be encouraged to take time and spend time with people while doing something that will impact and inspire others. Until the next post, keep inspiring and have fun too!

Patrice Tankard