Everyday Hero Helped Cherry Hill Woman Get COVID-19 Vaccine

AUDUBON, NJ — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Cherry Hill resident Mayola Kalkstein, a 79-year-old woman who nominated Stephen (Steve) Shirk, of Merchantville, who helped her get an appointment to receive the coronavirus vaccine after she had just about given up trying.

Where the nominee lives:
Audubon, NJ

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Cherry Hill, NJ

Name of the nominee:
Stephen (Steve) Shirk

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Mayola Kalkstein

Is the nominee considered an "essential worker?":
Not legally but does provide transportation services to those people who do not drive and need a ride from “Point A to Point B and Return.”

What does the nominee do for work:
Owner, Cab’s “R” Here Transportation Services

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
My business relationship began with Steve approximately 10 years ago – I stop driving in 1985 due to a medical issue. In my search for transportation in a safe and comfortable car driven by someone senior friendly, understanding and caring about the well-being of seniors – Steve’s Cabs “R” Here was the answer.

Steve, his wife of 35 years, and their blended family are the epitome of A close-knit family who are closely linked: they do things together, take an interest in each other, and are always there for each other to love, guide and help each other.

Over the past ten+ years and throughout our relationship, I’ve noticed that whenever possible Steve always goes that “extra mile” for all of his customers but more particularly, senior (seasoned) citizens. He’s compassionate, warm and caring always helping those in need to include the underserved, less fortunate and others in need.

He also has the uncanny ability to notice in advance whether the senior customer requires a wheelchair, is at risk for a fall, or is transitioning from one position to another. A few examples include assisting seniors suffering with Parkinson’s Disease, wearing a Prosthesis, other mobility issues as well as needing transportation to medical/dental appointments, running errands (i.e., supermarket, cleaners) helps the seniors to get around as they need and want; providing, as much as possible, a lifestyle they had become accustomed to during their earlier years.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?
As a 79-year-old female, aware that I met the eligibility requirements, in mid-January I began signing up first with the NJVSS, and then other Healthcare providers, Pharmacies and a mega-site. After completing the forms, I was notified there were no open appointments available and/or the earliest I could receive an appointment was September 10 Along with a large number of eligible seniors, I was at a loss because I thought I had done everything the right way. I became frustrated and stressed.

In the meantime, Steve would call me at least once a week to see if I had been notified about moving my appointment forward – the answer was always “no”!!! As an aside, Steve, his family and other people in his area received their first vaccination. I also have a girlfriend over 65 years old, living in Collingswood who along with her, a couple of relatives and friends had received their first vaccine shot. Needless to say, I became more stressed wondering what had I done wrong?

Finally, on Wednesday, March 10th, Steve phoned me around 9:15 a.m. and asked how long it would take me to get dressed. I asked why, and after he explained that his son, a policeman in Camden, told him CAMcare Health Organization had teamed up with FEMA and were trying to gather around 500 people to receive their first vaccination.

He picked me up around 10:30 a.m., and we rode to Camden where CAMcare, FEMA employees and other recruits were providing the “shots.” I received my first shot, and I am scheduled for the second one April 7. Steve continues to provide transportation to a large number of seniors in their 70s, 80s and 90s who probably would have been in the same position as I was before Steve came to our rescue! – therefore I am nominating Steve as my Everyday HERO!