Cyril Catedrilla, Physical Therapy Assistant, VNSNY Home Care

“I try to make sure that all of my patients are happy and feel loved and taken care of.” 

Fun, compassionate, empathetic, and hardworking, Cyril is known for his warmth, his smile, his dedication, and for consistently going above and beyond the call of duty. “I always look at life with a positive attitude, and my sense of humor takes me through my day,” he says. “In terms of patient care, most of my patients are lonely and alone, and I might be the only person they see, so bringing a bit of humor to their day is important. I try to make sure that all of them are happy and feel loved and taken care of, which actually transfers to them feeling more encouraged and energized to get better.”

“Cyril always ensures his patients get the treatment and time they deserve, taking into consideration their individual lifestyles, not just their diagnosis,” adds a co-worker. “He consistently has their best interests at heart.” One VNSNY rehab therapist recalls sharing a case with Cyril involving a patient who was experiencing erratic blood pressure. “Cyril called 911 to alert them,” says the therapist. “It took an hour and three additional calls for 911 to finally arrive. Cyril had a very demanding schedule, but it didn’t matter to him. He stayed with the frightened patient and provided a calming, reassuring presence.”

After contracting COVID in early spring—an ordeal that had him in a coma for several weeks—Cyril is now directing his signature determination, positive outlook, and sense of humor to his own recovery. “It’s been a long road, but I’m an optimist,” he notes. “If I ever feel like I’m going to a dark place, I pull myself away and I say no, that’s not where we’re going—we are going forward!”

We are happy to report that Cyril is continuing to get stronger and to make improvements every day. We wish him a speedy and complete recovery.