Workers in the overnight shift in the Emergency Department at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston pose for a picture, keeping Boston Strong, Brigham Strong, and wearing masks made and donated by Cathy Melanson, formerly of Emma Jean’s Bakery in Fairhaven, and family. Ms. Melanson’s daughter Sammie works in the department and asked her mother to help out by making masks as supplies were running low at B&W. Photo submitted.
By Beth David, Editor
Many people are answering the call to help each other during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cathy Melanson, formerly of Emma Jean’s Bakery, took to Facebook to thank her various family members for the variety of ways they are contributing to help the community get through this difficult time. From making masks for healthcare workers, to helping each other out with childcare, to continuing to work in their various fields that provide food and medical care to people, the Melanson clan is doing their part.
Healthcare workers in the Emergency Department at Brigham & Women’s Hospital wear masks made and donated by Cathy Melanson, formerly of Emma Jean’s Bakery in Fairhaven. L-R: Kellie (back row), Sammie, Kam, Jenna. Sammie is Cathy’s daughter, and she asked for the masks as supplies were running low at B&W. Photo submitted.
“During this time of uncertainty, I am proud of my family for being helpers to our community in its time of need,” wrote Ms. Melanson on Facebook. “My daughter asked me to sew her and her coworkers some cloth masks as their PPE supplies continue to decline and this was least I could do to help.”
Her daughter Sammie works at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Ms. Melanson said, and is caring for patients who have COVID-19. Ms. Melanson said her daughter asked to keep the masks coming, and so she is continuing to make them.
“We could always use elastics, 1/4” or 1/8” any color,” wrote Ms. Melanson in an email (see listing on page 5 for how to donate).
Ms. Melanson also named her grandchildren in her post, one graduating from high school, one graduating from college, and hoped that they might actually have graduation and senior prom, although that seems increasingly unlikely as the days go by.
“If we all work together, hopefully we can get back to a bit more normalcy,” wrote Ms. Melanson.
For a fun two-minute video, “CoronaSeuss,” created by the B&W Emergency Department staff, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=a4ABCOmtGxc&app=desktop
Some of the colorful masks made by Cathy Melanson, formerly of Emma Jean’s Bakery, and her family for the healthcare workers in the Emergency Department at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. Ms. Melanson’s daughter Sammie works in the department and asked her mother to help out by making masks as supplies were running low at B&W. Photo courtesy of Cathy Melanson.
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