Meet the Team: Getting to Know Deb
This is Deborah Lucas...or simply...Deb. With a heart too big to be contained, those who find themselves around her cannot help but be affected by her caring disposition and open, welcoming demeanor. She has been a part of the Legacy Heart Care family since May and has since become nothing less than an integral part of the team.
At Legacy Heart Care, we often find ourselves saying that working here is akin to being a part of a family. This is very true. And having been here for the past few months, I have realized that it is people like Deb who truly make it feel like one...
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Q: What is your name? Do you have a nickname?
A: My name is Deborah Lucas, but everyone calls me Deb.
Q: Where is your hometown?
A: I was born in San Angelo, Texas. But growing up in a military family (father, brothers, and step-father), I have had to call many places home. Texas...Michigan...Alaska...South Carolina...Florida...to name a few. I actually graduated high school in England; my step-father was stationed at Alconbury Air Force base at the time. It was pretty exciting, and I enjoyed moving around, but at the same time that kind of childhood also had its challenges, you know. But at the end, I still love Texas. I have been here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for many years now, and I definitely call this home.
Q: What is your role here at Legacy Heart Care?
A: I work in accounts receivable department, and fight the insurance companies to make sure they do right by the patients they insure....
Q: What do you like most about working here?
A: You know, I really love the thought of helping people, and I feel that I am. While I may not be in direct contact with patients, I still feel like I am caring for them. This is why I love working in the health care sector; there's a sense that what you do---whether you're on the front lines seeing patients or behind the scenes making sure things run smoothly---it all makes a difference in someone's life. It's a really rewarding feeling.
Q: Three words that best describe you are...
A: ...stubborn, determined, and compassionate.
Q: What are you most proud of in your life?
A: I am so proud of my 26-year-old daughter, Brittany...
She has grown up into such a strong and beautiful person and is a wonderful mother to a 5-year-old daughter...
So I guess you can say I am a proud mother and a proud grandmother!
Q: Complete this sentence: “I am happiest when…
A: ...when I am challenged and when I find myself successful at meeting the challenges.
Q: Do you have a personal philosophy?
A: Yes. Don't back up; don't back down! And I live by this. I am very determined. When I encounter a hardship or an obstacle in my life, instead being worn down and giving up, I respond by tackling it head on--dig my heels in, look at it in the eye, and go after it. To me, giving up or failing is just not an option I give myself. And I think that mindset has allowed me to overcome many obstacles in my life.
Q: Do you have a hidden talent?
A: I'm a bowler! I've essentially been bowling since I was a two-year-old. I have a 180-185 average and my highest game was a 289!
Q: Do you have any pets? A: Yes! I have a one-year-old German shepherd named Sasha and a doberman-collie mix named Ludo...
Actually, growing up, I've always wanted a German shepherd so badly...and now I have one, and I am beyond happy!
She is 80 pounds of pure energy, joy, and mischief (which by the way is her middle name…LOL)...and I love her!
Q: Tell us about your favorite hobby.
A: I enjoy woodburning...and I also love to color! It's actually very therapeutic.
Q: What is on your bucket list? A: I really want to go to Denver and watch the Broncos play in the Mile High Stadium. Then I want to go to Wrigley Field and watch the Cubs play.
Q: Complete this sentence: “People would be surprised if they knew that I…”
A: You know, I don't think I could tell anyone anything and have them be surprised. I'm that much of an open book. [turns toward nearby coworker] Isn't that right?
Nearby coworker: Absolutely!
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And that is why we love you, Deb!
