Dallas is safer in the hands of El Centro Cardiac Sonography students Agnes Patil and Leslie Barrera.
Living for Zachary’s two newest scholarship recipients were each awarded $5,000 to aid in the cost of their studies as they pursue careers that will save the lives of so many in the future.
First, let’s meet Leslie Barerra.
Leslie is from Waxahachie, Texas, and comes from a family where she has five siblings. She has one daughter with whom she maintains a close relationship.
In 2016, Leslie lost her future son-in-law to cardiac related problems. Through her journey to healing she discovered a hidden interest in her for cardiac sonography. While still recovering from the loss of a loved one, she lost her nephew to cardiac related problems. At this time, Leslie turned her interest into a passion that drives her today as she studies cardiac sonography.
“Finances have been a struggle and adjustment with having gone from being somewhat dependent on a spouse, to independently supporting myself,” said Barerra. “It gives added meaning to know that someone invested in me, and that in a sense I’m giving back by making the source of that gratitude, like Zachary, worth it.”
Leslie said she is excited to continue working with Living for Zachary, and is amazed by the story of the Schrah family.
“Zachary’s story saddens me, but also amazes me at the resiliency from his family,” said Barerra. “His legacy and that of all of those lost, live on through the lives lived after they are gone. I have no doubt that this foundation is making a difference and preventing more lives from being lost.”
As someone who is dedicating her life to helping and caring for others, Leslie said one of the most important things to her is creating awareness around cardiac problems.
“I grew up lacking major health education and now I try to inform family and friends any time possible,” said Barrera.
Now, let’s meet Agnes Patil.
Agnes is originally from Bardstown, Kentucky, and moved to Dallas six years ago by way of Los Angeles. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she knew that I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Her husband, Abhijit, suggested she go back to school in pursuit of a career in health care.
As someone who has always been fascinated by medical sonography, Agnes is inspired by her mentors, and excited to embark on a career path that will allow her to serve others in a non-invasive way.
“I hope to carry on the legacy of my mentors, Liberty Cowden and Andrea Moncrief, by providing the highest quality diagnostic information to physicians,” said Patil. “I also bring a level of compassion and patient empathy to the table that is beyond the standard levels seen in healthcare. I understand that heart problems are scary, and I seek to put patients at ease with my demeanor, expertise, and compassion.”
Living for Zachary holds a place in her heart with a mission to prevent the loss of another young person to sudden cardiac arrest.
“There is nothing more tragic than the sudden death of a young person,” said Patil. “Karen Schrah’s life was forever changed when her son Zachary passed from Sudden Cardiac Death, but she took that grief and channeled it into a foundation that has prevented the sudden death of so many others. The Living for Zachary AED program and youth heart screenings have prevented the otherwise unpredictable tragedies of sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death. There is no greater gift than the gift of life, and Living for Zachary gives that gift. I am beyond excited to be a part of it.”
Agnes said the scholarship from Living for Zachary allowed her to resign from a working position to fully focus on her studies.
“Living for Zachary has given me the gift of an education, which will allow me to then give the gift of another chance at life to so many people,” said Patil.
Both Agnes and Leslie plan to serve as volunteers with Living for Zachary at youth heart screenings and other events.
Congratulations to Leslie Barerra and Agnes Patil on receiving the Living for Zachary El Centro Cardiac Sonography Scholarship!
