BAKERSFIELD, CA. — Christina Ricco is the lead transportation at Adventist Health Bakersfield, responsible for moving patients around the hospital. A position that gives her purpose.
"There isn't anything I don't love about transportation, it is in my roots. I think I will stick with it for a long time," said Ricco.
Ricco gives back to others the kindness she received from a stranger four when she was living on the streets.
"I was homeless, I was hungry, and I was addicted," Ricco said.
Ricco said the small gesture of someone buying her a soda and pizza - changed her life.
"Someone cared to feed me, someone cared to take time from their life to look at me. Not for what I looked like: dirty, filthy and tired. They took me and they said you are hungry and without asking me they came back by," said Ricco.
After 20 years of being homeless, Ricco went to The Mission at Kern County.
Her journey landed her the opportunity to work at Adventist Health Bakersfield nearly four years ago. A place where she said she found her passion.
Ricco's life has now come full circle, now lending kindness and hope to others.
"Hope is a big word for us and I know that a lot of us think it is not out there, but it is there. I promise there are people out there that want to care for you and help you. Hope is the key to the roots inside you, never lose that."
