Former Center Grove nurse assists essential workers with plenty of equipment – and hydration

Former Center Grove nurse assists essential workers with plenty of equipment – and hydration

By Nancy Price

As a former nurse, Steve Lew understands what it’s like to be an essential worker on the front lines. So, when the coronavirus pandemic began infecting our country, the owner of Steve Lew Real Estate LLC began purchasing as many masks, gloves and goggles as possible to donate to local hospitals that were experiencing a major shortage. A friend at one of these hospitals suggested an idea.

“One of them had a friend that works at PepsiCo and said they would be willing to donate Gatorade to me so that I can take them around to all the hospitals, police stations, fire departments, etc. It initially started off with giving me 200 cases but soon blossomed to over 40,000 bottles! As for the (project) name, #HydrateOurHeroes, I just came up with it while I was out delivering the drinks.

“Coming from the medical field, I have a strong passion to help others, especially our first responders. This particular group literally risks their lives for us every day before they go to work. I feel they are underpaid for the work they do and the sacrifices they make on our behalf. This is why I have always given back to them along with folks in the military, teachers and medical professionals.”

What is your greatest virtue? My generosity. Whether it’s my time, knowledge on something, monetarily, etc., I give willingly and cheerfully.

What upsets you? What’s been upsetting me the most recently is seeing how this coronavirus pandemic is hurting so many people physically, mentally and financially.

What do you like best about Center Grove? The sense of community. We love how friendly everyone is. We also love the school system. The teachers/staff are amazing, and our kids are thriving academically.

What’s your favorite Southside eatery? One of our favorite restaurants on the Southside is La Trattoria. Great atmosphere and amazing filets!

If you had to live anywhere else in the Metro Indianapolis area, where would it be? I would love to have a condo on Mass Ave! Great restaurants, pubs, atmosphere!

If you could begin life over, what would you change? I would have taken my education more seriously and studied to be an orthopedic surgeon.

If money were no issue, how would you spend it? While I’m not a materialistic person, I would love to have an exotic sports car. I’ve always been into cars and would love to own a Ferrari!

What makes you happiest? Spending time with my family. We are a very close family and love spending time together.

Pick three adjectives that best describe you. Compassionate, trustworthy, dependable

What is your favorite vacation spot? We went to Colorado last year and it was simply amazing! We went to Vale, Boulder and Colorado Springs. All equally beautiful!

What do you do with idle time? I like to golf and go fishing with my boys.

What would you change about our culture if you could? Every person should have the same opportunities regardless of race, gender, or religion.

How do you escape from reality? Fishing, golfing and hanging out with my family. Any of these activities help me escape from reality.

What do you love most in life? I’m a huge family man so the answer to this question is easy … my family!

Which living person in Center Grove do you most admire? Ray Skillman and the entire Skillman family. They give back so much to our community as well as multiple surrounding communities. They don’t promote it either, which makes it even more admirable.

What quality do you admire most in another person?  Loyalty. This is a trait that’s hard to come by these days.

What is your greatest extravagance? My 13-year-old daughter. I just can’t say no to her! We have four kids and she is the only girl. Needless to say, she is my spoiled princess!

What is your greatest fear? Losing one of my children. I don’t think I could handle it.

What has been the happiest time of your life? Right now. I have an amazing family and absolutely love my job.

Is there a special talent you really wish you had? Honestly, I wish I knew how to work on cars and small engines.

What do you most value in your friends? I value their friendship. Having “true” friends that are always there for you no matter what’s going on is priceless. I consider myself very lucky to have a handful of true friends.

Which historical figure do you most admire? Abraham Lincoln – besides his success during the American Civil War, his reputation for his anti-slavery efforts is what truly makes him an inspirational historical figure to admire.

What tenet do you live by? There’s more joy in giving than receiving.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I suffer from an extreme case of misophonia! It pains me to hear someone chew with their mouth open!

 

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