Hidden Heroes...Lesslie Simms

Lesslie Simms

As the coronavirus continues to make global headlines, The Mix is taking a look closer to home and honoring the “Hidden Heroes” right here who are working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep life as close to normal as possible. 

Our next Hidden Hero is Lesslie Simms, a receptionist in Dr. Chris Orendorff’s medical office. Simms, who has been with Orendorff for the past four years, said the clinic is still up and running and taking care of patients.

Simms, a lifelong Muldrow resident, said the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way the clinic is operating and every member of the team is doing their part to pitch in.

“We’re trying to keep to business as usual, but it’s a new way of life,” Simms said. The clinic now offers telemedicine and other options, but it is still seeing patients in the office as needed. 

Sick patients are asked to stay in their cars and call the clinic to be seen, Simms said, and those with coronavirus symptoms are brought in from the back of the building to minimize the risks to patients and staff.

Orendorff, whose practice also includes practitioners Amanda Davis and Michelle Statt, has taken “every step and measure” to keep the staff safe, Simms said, and the team is not as fearful as it was when the pandemic began. “They’ve done everything they could to keep us safe,” she said.

“We were very fearful at first, but we’re not as uptight now,” she said.

Simms said the most difficult part of the COVID-19 pandemic is that the staff can no longer “love on” their patients, instead keeping to strict social distancing guidelines. Sims said she has also been forced to distance herself from her father and daughter, who live nearby, a situation she hopes will resolve itself soon. 

Simms has worked in the health care community for many years and is known for her big smile and kind heart. 

Simms was nominated by a patient of Dr. Orendorff’s who stated that she always makes him feel better when he has to go in for a visit. “She always greets me like she has been missing me and is proud to see me,” he stated.

If you know a Hidden Hero in our community that you would like to nominate, email us at kim@kxmx.com. Tell us a little about what makes them a “hero” and provide us with your contact information as well as theirs. 

*Unfortunately, we will not be able to feature everyone nominated.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com