Congratulations to Dr. Luz "Juliana" Barahona, a pulmonologist with UNC Physicians Network and UNC Health Lenoir, who was honored as “Hero of the Game” at the season opener for the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Dr. Barahona volunteered to help in western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. She worked in the ICU at UNC Health Appalachian in Boone, caring for patients from across Watauga County. 

“Please continue to keep this and all other communities in WNC affected by Hurricane Helene in your hearts and prayers, but also in your minds as you make decisions that will support them. They deserve to be helped, held, and admired. I wish I could convey  the beauty and warmth I felt during each of my interactions with medical staff, volunteers, and patients, yet the heart-wrenching situation that WNC communities are experiencing, it all makes words seem insufficient.”  said Dr. Barahona.

Thank you, Dr. Barahona, for your unwavering dedication and service!

Dr. Barahona is a pediatric and adult pulmonologist at UNC Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at Lenoir in Kinston.