The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely changed the way the Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association is offering programs and supporting our clients. In mid-March, we started switching from in-person contacts and groups to remote case management services, video conference group meetings, and finding ways to keep members connected. This has required some creativity on the part of our staff and some significant adaptability on the part of our clients.
FVBIA’s Pay it Forward: Healthy Lifestyles for ABI program focuses on a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being with an emphasis on volunteerism and giving back to your community. In spite of having the challenges of dealing with brain injury themselves, many of our members have really stepped up to provide support to others during the pandemic.
One of those members, Judy Craig, started making masks for health care workers early on in the COVID-19 crisis. Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association is very proud to be able to help Judy access sewing supplies so she can continue this important volunteer work.
Face Mask Project – by Judy Craig
FVBIA – Judy Wearing One Of Her Masks
“When I saw the crisis in China I sat up and paid attention. I knew this was serious. I continued to watch the news for any new information. This was still the stage where they were trying to find out what caused it. One clip showed me how Japan was dealing with this crisis. The city was divided into districts. You could not enter or leave your district without going through a checkpoint. Your temperature was checked and by law you were required to wear a mask. This made perfect sense to me.
It was at this time that I decided to start making facemasks. Call it intuition or foresight I don’t know, but I felt this was something I had to do. It proved to be very challenging. The first 5 or 6 were just one mistake after another. I used my seam ripper more than my sewing machine.
FVBIA – Learning As She Went; Never Giving Up
I have a lot of difficulty with comprehension. Even though I could watch them being made in front of me on you tube, I couldn’t connect visually what they were saying verbally. Finally, after a week of trying I had success. I still make an error in every batch of masks inevitably ruining one or two. Over time I have created my own system. One night I just cut out 6 by 9-inch pieces, as many as I could get from what I was using. The next night I ironed everything then pinned the pieces to get ready for sewing. The day after was just ironing and sewing and this set up allowed me to make a large quantity. I was so worried no one would want them.
I contacted the Sterilization department. I spoke to a lovely Lady named, Neatu. She made the calls to the wards to find out who was in need of masks. We agreed that I would drop them off in the staff parking lot where she would take them and then bring them in and distribute them. This has worked well. So far, I have given 70 masks to them, 10 to my veterinarian office, a private citizen who works with seniors took 16 and I have given half a dozen to people that have asked for them. It amazes me that I have now created 100 masks.
My family and I know what it’s like to require the help of the 1st responders and the front liners. Just a couple of years ago my son was fighting for his life with a serious auto immune disorder that caused his intestine to rupture in his chest. He spent 2 months in the hospital and one week in ICU, not expected to make it. The staff was so encouraging. Their strength gave us strength to carry on.
FVBIA – One Of Judy’s First Batches Of Face Masks
Two years ago, my daughter was in a serious bus accident. She is physically and mentally disabled and nonverbal. She was not able to communicate the pain that she was in. She got nothing but respect, care and compassion from the people that dealt with her that day.
Last year my husband had heart surgery. A month after that surgery he had a stroke. Two days later he had another stroke. I remember how informative the staff were in explaining what had happened and what needed to be done. I myself have had 17 concussions all of which have caused me to lose consciousness. The third last one resulted in a moderate traumatic brain injury. I have been unable to work since. Our family without a doubt, knows what it takes for these people to do what they have to do. It’s a calling and a blessing to have them there. It just seems completely natural to me to take care of the people that are taking care of us.
FVBIA – Judy’s Mask Making Project and Thank you Sign for Hospital Staff
There is so much each and every one of us can do. It’s the little things that make a difference. Knock on a neighbor’s door see if they are ok. If you’re not a people person, make a blue thank you heart and put it in your window. I bake a lot and exchange it with a friend for fresh fruit and vegetables even for soup. Another lady and I exchange what we can spare and when this pandemic is all done, she is going to teach me to crochet. So, it’s not about money it’s about care and compassion for each other in a world that seems to be falling apart all around us. Be safe be well and be the person that stepped up and made a difference.”
Pay it Forward: Healthy Lifestyles for ABI is funded through ICBC, the Brain Injury Alliance, and the Province of BC.
Thank you to our Health Care Workers, First Responders, and all of those who are working so hard to keep supplies and food moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please stay safe and well.
