‘It felt surreal’: Nebraska caregiver surprised with new car

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A woman got the gift of a new vehicle on Tuesday as part of a new program to help healthcare workers.

The Nebraska Health Care Foundation and Chariots4Hope partnered on a program “Cars for Caregivers.”

The goal is to remove transportation barriers for people who work in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, caring for Nebraska seniors.

Samantha Gammell is the very first recipient. The foundation surprised her with the car on Tuesday.

“It felt surreal,” Gammell said. “Pretty excited and overwhelming and just kind of blown away with it.”

She had an unreliable vehicle and said this would make a big difference.

“On the way to work, I actually had one of my coworkers stop and give me a jump start or a ride into work,” she said. “So now, I don’t have to feel like I’m that person anymore.”

Jalene Carpenter is the president and CEO of the Nebraska Health Care Association. She said no one is more deserving than Gammell.

“I think the reaction – you could tell she was overwhelmed,” Carpenter said. “But the way her face changed when she talked about the difference it’s going to make not only for her, but for her kids.”

She said it made her tear up to think of the impact this will make on Gammell’s life.

As Gammell climbed into the car for the first time, she had a big smile on her face.

“I couldn’t say thank you enough,” she said. “I’m very appreciative and grateful for it.”