Brain cancer survivor makes masks in exchange for St. Jude donations
When Mallory realized the COVID-19 pandemic might affect St. Jude, the place that saved her life, she began making masks.
Mallory measures and cuts her fabric precisely. She sends it through the sewing machine. Her hands, which have never failed her, have already memorized the movements – even though making masks is new to her. It’s amazing what you can get used to and how quickly even strange things become routine.
Since the pandemic began, Mallory has been giving away the masks she sews in exchange for donations to her St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital page. She’s already raised more than $12,000.
“When the virus hit and there was that sudden crisis for masks, I just went out, grabbed a bunch of fabric and supplies, and started making masks,” said Mallory.
She keeps regular business hours, the same her husband, who shares their home office, keeps now that they are home-bound.
“I’ve currently got 51 envelopes stuffed, ranging from one mask to four or five stuffed in one,” said Mallory. “And some people have just said, ‘I’m just making a donation, and you can give the masks to somebody else.’ So that’s been incredibly generous of people.”
She sets alarm reminders so she and her husband can stop at times during the day for tea or walks in the neighborhood. It’s important to have these touchstones of normal life.
The college sweethearts got married this past August and moved to Oregon. They are practically still honeymooners.
Not too long ago, she was job hunting – and she’ll get back to it – but for now, making masks is her primary occupation.
She does it to help keep people safe, but also to give back to St. Jude, the place that saved her life.
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