By Kama Stigall
Just a few short months ago, it would be unusual to see a person wearing a face mask. Now, it is part of everyday life for many people. The needs for masks, particularly for healthcare workers, continues to grow by the day and Ellen Cameron is doing her part to help the effort.
Cameron, who resides in the Boston area, is a national gold judge and longtime U.S. Figure Skating member. As a former critical care nurse, she understands the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a former nurse, when I heard grumblings of the pandemic I knew I wanted to step up and help,” she said. “I decided I wanted to help healthcare workers and their need for PPE [i.e. personal protective equipment]. They shouldn’t be at risk or put their health in jeopardy when they are taking care of others.”
She became involved after reading a post on Facebook about a group of people sewing masks. Cameron volunteers as a delivery driver for the group, and also helps by mailing masks and connecting those in need of masks.
“In my town I saw on Facebook that people were sewing masks,” Cameron said. “I am not the best when it comes to needle and thread, but I do have many friends and former colleagues who work in almost every hospital in the Boston area. I reached out to the group and said I could help by being a resource. I pick up a bag of masks from a doorstep [maintaining social distance] and deliver to where they are needed.”
To date, the 28-member group has sewn and delivered around 10,000 masks to more than 22 medical facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes and hospice centers. The group continues to expand, adding more volunteers.
“I believe we are now on week four of sewing and distributing masks,” Cameron said in mid-April. “We just merged with another group of sewers in town so our efforts are expanding.”
The masks are life-changing for not only those who receive them, but for the general public as well. As a healthcare worker herself, Cameron is acutely aware of the importance of wearing a mask.
“My best advice would be if you need to venture out of the home – wear a mask,” she said. “It not only helps prevent spread of COVID-19 but also can protect you from touching your face. When you get home, wash your hands, take your mask off and put it into the laundry and then wash your hands again. This is the best practice to help fight against this pandemic.”
For folks wanting to lend a hand, there are many opportunities to do so.
“People can get involved by finding a local group in their community that are sewing masks,” Cameron said. “You can sew, deliver and find people in need of masks. You can also donate money and locate fabric, elastic and other needs to make the masks as well.”
And if you don’t have the ability to sew, there are other ways to assist.
“You can call a neighbor or a friend who may be isolated or you haven't heard from in a while,” she said. “You can help in other ways. For example, I just baked pumpkin chocolate bread for frontline workers. Every bit helps.”
Through the efforts of many people, a positive impact can be made.
“Many hands make light work, as they say,” Cameron said. “The motto of our group is ‘made by many homes, hands and hearts.’ We all just want to do our part and contribute.”
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