Monumento a Trabajadores Latinos: Dr. Gershanik y NOLA

In the chaotic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, amidst the rising floodwaters and widespread devastation, one man’s unwavering dedication and profound empathy shone as a beacon of hope. Dr. Juan Jorge Gershanik, a distinguished neonatologist, not only risked his life to save a critically ill newborn but also channeled his profound gratitude into a lasting tribute to the often-overlooked Latino immigrants who rebuilt New Orleans. His story is one of duty, sacrifice, and a deep-seated commitment to recognizing those who contributed to the city’s resurgence.

When Katrina approached in 2005, Dr. Gershanik, like many, anticipated a temporary disruption. He was part of the medical team at Southern Baptist Hospital (now Ochsner Baptist) tasked with caring for the most vulnerable: newborn babies in the intensive care unit. What began as a plan for a few days’ stay quickly turned into a desperate struggle for survival as the levees breached and floodwaters engulfed the city.

The “Argentinian Kangaroo”: A Story of Rescue

The hospital’s generators, crucial for sustaining the fragile lives under their care, were on the second floor, precariously close to the rising water. With helicopters for patient transport frustratingly delayed, Dr. Gershanik faced an impossible choice. He learned the heavy incubators, vital for these tiny patients, could not be airlifted by the supply helicopters that were arriving. Time was running out.

It was in this moment of crisis that Dr. Gershanik embodied the spirit of the “Argentinian Kangaroo,” as he was later called. He made a courageous decision to manually ventilate a premature baby, weighing just one pound, and keep the infant warm through direct skin-to-skin contact, mimicking a kangaroo’s pouch. “I could have it close to me in a sense that my skin would give the warmth that is essential for these babies to maintain being alive.” They boarded a supply helicopter, defying the odds. The journey, which included an unexpected refueling stop where their oxygen tank nearly ran dry, was harrowing. Yet, through his skill and determination, Dr. Gershanik delivered the baby safely to a waiting NICU in Baton Rouge.

A Tribute to Heroes: The Latino Workers Monument

Having ensured the safety of his tiny patient, Dr. Gershanik began to grapple with the broader impact of Katrina on his beloved New Orleans. Driving back from Baton Rouge, he witnessed firsthand the catastrophic destruction, with houses “completely destroyed.” The thought that many people would not return filled him with dread. However, he also observed a remarkable phenomenon: the tireless work of Latino immigrants in rebuilding New Orleans.

“So many workers, Latino workers, actually, and Hispanics, seem to have an especial affinity with construction. They did a wonderful job helping to get the houses back, to get the city back to life,” Dr. Gershanik emphasized. He was struck by their incredible work ethic, toiling in the heat of August and September, often in less-than-optimal living conditions, and sometimes even unpaid.

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The inspiration for a monument to Latino workers came from a poignant encounter with high school students. When asked about their parents’ occupations, many Hispanic students expressed shame, describing their families’ work as “menial.” Dr. Gershanik, recalling the immense contribution of these workers, passionately corrected them: “Do you realize your family is instrumental in getting our town back? You need to be so proud of what they are doing.”

Driven by a fierce desire to instill pride and provide a lasting testament to these unsung heroes, Dr. Juan Jorge Gershanik embarked on the arduous journey of creating a monument. He envisioned something tangible, a representation that families could visit and say, “Look, this monument is really done to honor the work that your uncle, your father, did. And all these families! We contribute. We made a big contribution to bring New Orleans back.”

The process was challenging, working with the artist to capture the authenticity he desired, to ensure the faces on the monument truly resembled the Latino workers. He even made specific requests, like ensuring the workers in the sculpture wore shirts and that a female figure was included to represent the contributions of women. After years of persistence, the 26,000-pound bronze monument, a powerful depiction of two men and a woman carrying construction tools, was finally unveiled in 2018 in Crescent Park.

For Dr. Gershanik, this monument is more than just a piece of art; it’s a profound “token of appreciation” for those who helped rebuild the city he loves. It stands as a reminder that New Orleans’ resurgence was a “true team effort,” and that the “huge, huge contribution” of Latino immigrants deserves lasting recognition. His tireless efforts, from saving a life in the storm’s immediate aftermath to championing the legacy of those who rebuilt, embody the resilient spirit of New Orleans and the enduring power of gratitude.

Check out the Katrina Veinte: Rebuilding with Heart site.https://katrina20.vivanolamag.com/