Knowing His Roots
Kyle Basilio’s inspiration to become a nurse came from an unlikely job—working at Disneyland. During his time as a parade dancer and meet-and-greet character (from the film Big Hero 6), Kyle recalled when he had the chance to interact with a young Make-a-Wish patient. He remembered the boy was very shy to meet the film’s character Baymax, a health care provider robot, and Kyle helped to cultivate a meaningful experience for him. “It was heartwarming to make such a difference and help people create memories,” recalls Kyle. “When people are at their lowest, as a nurse, I wanted them to leave with a memory of how I made them feel.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to swell around the world, Kyle finished nursing school in May 2020. With a desire to begin his nursing career locally during this unprecedented era, the Glendora native began working as a registered nurse at Emanate Health Foothill Presbyterian Hospital’s direct observation unit. “We were all experiencing history at the same time,” Kyle said, “and we were taking care of patients with a disease we were all still learning about.”
Kyle cites the family-oriented culture at Emanate Health as the top reason he has stayed with the organization. During his first few months, he appreciated working alongside veteran nurses and managers who allowed him to ask for help when he needed it. “It was comforting to have that support, and it allowed me to grow stronger in a short amount of time.” In addition to his frontline duties with Emanate Health, Kyle also worked for an organization that provided mobile COVID-19 vaccines and testing to underserved communities. “You felt like you were making a difference in the world, and that was inspiring.”
One of the hobbies Kyle picked up during the pandemic was golfing, so when he saw an opportunity to support Emanate Health Foundation during its Capitano Golf Classic, he was interested. “Emanate Health is my first home [as a registered nurse], so I want to give back because I know my roots,” shared Kyle, who purchased numerous chances for the Helicopter Ball Drop, a fundraising opportunity as part of the tournament on June 12. “If you have the ability to do so, I think you should, because we are helping so many in our community who are struggling in our local hospitals.”
To support Emanate Health Foundation’s Capitano Golf Classic or purchase chances for the Helicopter Ball Drop like Kyle, visit www.emanatehealth.org/golf.