US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres surprised Filipino-American nurse Flor Maylyn Roz with a brand-new car to honor her being a medical frontliner.
The Los Angeles-based Roz has been juggling two jobs and looking after COVID-19 patients.
“The pandemic has changed everything. People who are sick, since they cannot be visited by their families, I will be the one who’s gonna be by their side, and let them know that there’s this person who loves them,” Roz said in a video posted on The Ellen Show’s YouTube channel.
Because of her work, she had not been home with her husband and young child for months.
“It’s just heartbreaking not to see your family, but I can’t do anything but to be strong for them,” she said.
She also contracted the virus last March and it affected the family financially. She said she had to share a car with her husband or would hitch a ride with co-workers.
Roz tearfully admitted that it’s been hard but at the same time “I’m so honored just being there for people who I am taking care of.”
After personally delivering the car to Roz, DeGeneres thanked her for the work that she does.
“No more Ubers for you… Just remember how much we love you and appreciate you. When you’re exhausted and when there are times when you can barely go on anymore, just remember how many people love you and how many people are grateful for you,” DeGeneres said.
Cebu-based daily The Freeman quoted Roz’s sister Fleire Castro, founder and proprietor of digital marketing firm Third Team Media in Cebu, talking about her sister’s moment on the popular US show.
“My sister Bem Bem got COVID-19 last March as a frontline nurse. 
She was surprised by Ellen DeGeneres with a BRAND NEW CAR to thank her for her service as a frontliner!! 
Congratulations, sis!! I don’t often say this but SANA OLLLL!!”
Roz was born and raised in Iligan City in Mindanao and moved to the United States with her mother, said The Freeman.
Watch the heartwarming video here:
