Evidence is Everywhere —We’re Coming Together, Apart
By: Celeste Mergens
Tags: Connection, Socialdistancing, Life Lessons, Optimism, Positive News

There are only two ways to live your life: as though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle. -Albert Einstein

A friend’s daughter was just diagnosed with COVID-19. When I received the message, I called her right away to check-in. She was amazed. “How did you know so soon?” she asked. The answer: That a colleague in India, told a friend in Washington, about her daughter in Ohio. There is evidence everywhere of how connected we are.

It truly is a small world. There is also mounting evidence of how fortunate we are to have each other, even when we are social distancing — and how generous people are in their choices to isolate themselves for the good of others.

At Days for Girls, an organization that supports menstrual health all over the globe, I have the distinct privilege of working with some of the most inspiring people in the world. And COVID-19 is affecting everyone, everywhere. So when calls started coming in from medical professionals asking if our global network could sew masks to help with the shortage of medical supplies for heroic frontline caregivers, we responded without hesitation. In addition to providing menstrual products and health education to people around the world, an army of Days for Girls volunteers and friends put their sewing skills to work by making face masks for those who need them most. We launched our #Masks4Millions campaign early on, as soon as the critical need for masks hit the airwaves.

The response since then has been remarkable — but actually not surprising given the passion so many of us share. Within hours, we had more hospitals and clinics reach out to ask if they could be on the list to receive face masks. Then came assisted living facilities, homeless shelters, emergency veterinarian clinics, US naval ships, and individuals with immune-compromised illnesses. We set up a system for people everywhere to sign up to sew, donate, or receive masks. To date, we have 3,701 volunteers who have pledged to make nearly one million masks. I know. What?! I had to triple check it myself and they are well on their way. People are amazing.

This example of shared compassion has helped me keep perspective these past several months. And we are not alone in responding. Volunteers are taking food to shut-ins. A small family restaurant where I live is making sandwiches for medical professionals that can’t stop for a break. Neighbors cheer and belt out ballads from balconies in Spain, Italy, San Francisco, Canada — all over the world. Many are offering free online concerts, services, and courses. Doctors are shifting to new ways to serve their patients. Schools continue to feed children. Teachers work overtime to help students transition to studying from home. People are walking their neighbors’ dogs, or seeding extra garden boxes this year in hopes of sharing more. We’re coming together, apart. It’s an unprecedented time with many real reasons for grief, but there is also evidence everywhere that this amazing world we live in is filled with remarkable people — and that small things make a tremendous difference. As I celebrate the connection of our shared humanity today, I also hold a deep hope that what we witness in these small gestures becomes a global awakening of what is possible.

Thank you for your continued handwashing, social distancing, and service in your own way. I applaud you and your courage to come together, while staying apart, in this shared humanity. Be well! You matter, too.

With gratitude,

@daysforgirls #Masks4Millions