Ceisler Media Associate Director Anthony Campisi recently volunteered to test out a COVID-19 vaccine at the University of Pennsylvania, his alma mater. Anthony was among 20 volunteers taking part in the testing at Penn Medicine. He received his first shot on April 20.
He discussed the experience with Ceisler Fellow Brandon Boyer, who wrote this story:
“I have a lot of friends who are essential workers,” said Anthony. “When I saw there was an opportunity to help in a really small way, I jumped at it.”
The vaccine, if successful, has the ability to be fast tracked — which has created excitement and interest surrounding the testing in Philadelphia.
These tests are examples of how Americans can continue to help each other during the pandemic. Volunteers like Anthony are helping provide doctors with vital information that could be used to stop the spread of coronavirus and contain future outbreaks.
“I hope what comes out of this is a vaccine we can deploy across the world,” Campisi said, “Hopefully my participation can give the researchers and doctors involved information to cure this disease.”
While we may not all be able to currently help each other in traditional way, there remain opportunities to make a difference. By doing so, as Anthony is, we can help build a safer and healthier community for everyone – even while staying six feet apart.
“We’re all in this together – alone,” Anthony said. “This makes me feel a lot less passive, even though the real heroes are the doctors and nurses.”
WATCH HERE: CBS 3’s Stephanie Stahl Interviewed Campisi about his experience.
Brandon Boyer is the Penny Gerber Fellow in Ceisler Media’s Philadelphia Office.
