Our Nurses Volunteer in Covid Times
We are so proud of our AMAZING NAHN members and everything they do on a daily basis to help others during this healthcare crisis. Here is Sally Tenorio's story in her own words when asked about her reasons behind making more than 300 homemade masks...THANK YOU SALLY! You are a true inspiration!
"I have made 325 to this minute.I first started making them on my birthday March 27 to do something for others. I was talking to my niece on that day when she called to wish me happy birthday and she said she was working in a hospital in Orange county and she had no mask. She is working on her PA.
I have my mothers sewing machine and found some fabric that she had. I am not a seamstress, however my mother, Tillie, Gomez, was an excellent seamstress. With her spirit guiding me and a will to help others I started making masks. I ordered another 4 yard of fabric through Joann fabric. I didn't have elastic and could not purchase any so I purchased Elastic headbands for the earpieces from the Dollar tree-6 for $1.00., and little girl pony tail holders for the children's masks because they are much thinner. I have emptied my closet of shoelaces to make adjustable earpieces with pony beads - these I ran out of. I cut the strings off of pajamas and cloth purses to use for tie masks. I use pipe cleaners for the nose piece and cut my own bias. In the past week I have received fabric from my cousin in Kansas, my cousins grade school friend here Westminster, my cousins daughter , my sister-in law donated fabric and thread, T-shirts from NAHN-Denver Chapter ( which Gale Garcia cut up herself), My cousin in Albuquerque sent elastic that he was able to purchase. It is a blessing because the elastic headbands are very hard on the machine and needles.
To this date I have delivered masks to:
Orange County, Sacramento - Nurse, My family in Santa Fe, Kansas, and Colorado., other nurses in the area and their families, Holy Cross Church for priest and staff, staff at King Soopers warehouse, Victory Chapel men's home, Victory Chapel Women's home, Transdev (part of RTD)-my son works for Transdev and they had no masks, Assisted living at Villa's at Sunny Acres, the garbage workers in my area, Home Health agency and many friends.
I have inspired others to take the chance to make masks as well and they are working hard to make some as well and get to those who need them. My husband cuts elastic and headbands, folds the pipe cleaners, folds and unfolds fabric for me and vacuums up my messes. He also does all the cooking now to give me more time to sew.
I ask that God lets me make just one more after each one I make. ".
Sally
