Cubs’ David Bote visits Advocate Condell Respiratory Therapy Team

LIBERTYVILLE – Chicago Cubs infielder David Bote visited with the respiratory therapy team at Advocate Condell Medical Center on Feb. 22.

Bote answered questions about spring training and offered thanks to the health care workers as part of Cubs UNconventional week.

Respiratory therapists are on the front lines of the pandemic, and they continue to play an integral role in the care of COVID-19 patients.

”Today was a reminder of brighter things to come, and it was so sweet of him to spend time with us,” said Mary Clements, a respiratory therapist at Advocate Condell Medical Center with 40 years of experience.

Clements is excited for the 2021 baseball season saying, “Now we have something to look forward to again, and to keep our minds off the pandemic. I used to play baseball, and I still like to listen to games on the radio when I’m driving home from work. There’s nothing like the sound of a bat hitting a home run.”

The respiratory therapy team asked Bote if he had any advice for them about teamwork. Bote talked about the importance of confidence and trust in one another as the critical element to a good team.

“It shows no person is an island,” said Carol Hawkins, manager of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Care Services at Advocate Condell Medical Center. “Whether in critical care settings in a hospital or in sports, it takes a team effort and being able to depend on your teammates. We certainly have that here.”

The visit with Bote lasted about 30 minutes and was conducted virtually.