Sending a Huge, Socially Distant Virtual Hug to Our Resident Mask Maker, Kathy Earley!
We thought it would be apt to shed some light on one of our frequent do-gooders, Kathy Earley. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Kathy as she has helped our organization in innumerable ways. Her latest “venture” has been the creation of protective masks which she is kindly and sewing up at her home and distributing to melanoma patients who are requesting them (along with her direct network of family and friends). A melanoma survivor herself, Kathy knows firsthand about the importance of a good deed done and a helping hand received. We commend her for everything she’s done and continues to do and are so grateful for her service, especially during this curious, compromised times. Our own melanoma support group patients are directly affected by her kind gesture here, and we can’t thank her enough…
Here’s a recent conversation we had with Kathy to get the inside scoop on her new mask sewing service.
IMPACT Melanoma: Tell us about what you have going on. You’re making masks for IMPACT’s support groups, but I’m sure it’s more deeply rooted than this. What was the impetus to create them?
Earley: Being a 12-year melanoma cancer survivor, having gone through several surgeries and 12 month long immunotherapy treatments, I know firsthand the worries and concerns of how difficult it is to stay well when your body is immunocompromised or even just fatigued from the rigors of treatment. My hope is that these masks I am sewing will give melanoma patients peace of mind and a little extra protection during these uncertain times. My masks are also intended to help the caregivers and family members of those going thru treatment to have protection as they may travel with their loved ones to and from treatment centers. Also by wearing their masks around their compromised loved ones they may be protecting them, in a reverse precautions type of situation.
In 2008, shortly after I was diagnosed with Stage IIIA melanoma, my husband Greg and I, started a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, TeamEarley.org, along with our children as well as a handful of close friends as founding members. We wanted to do something to help raise awareness about the potentially deadly disease and the dangers of over exposure to the sun, particularly in young people, and especially the irreversible damage from the use of tanning beds. From there a lifelong relationship was formed between Team Earley and IMPACT Melanoma. To date Greg, myself, and our daughter Erin, with the support of all our children and Team Earley members have collectively run 16 marathons, including the prestigious Boston Marathon and New York City this past Fall, while raising funds and awareness to support those affected by melanoma, raising close to $100,000 to date in support of this cause. This year we hope to support our son’s beach rescue team in providing additional sun safety gear to the Wells Beach lifeguards.
Additionally I have spoken to a myriad of audiences, been a member of the Billy’s Buddies support group, promoted the Your Skin Is In program to high schoolers and college students, held skin screenings at health fairs and sporting events, lobbied for restricted use of tanning beds by minors at the state level, and everyday try walking the talk in being a role model for sun safety and education. So when this opportunity came along it seemed like a great fit for me as a casual sewer to be able to put my skills to use in now a new way to help support those affected by this illness in light of current events.
IM: How many have you made/distributed?
Earley: To this point, and feeling like I just got started, I have made 20 masks to be sent out to those affected by melanoma and a portion of those have been distributed to friends and family. Originally I was sewing masks for family members who were required to travel home such as my daughter, from college in Tampa FL. Then, along came this opportunity that was initiated by the Relief Crafters of America (RCA) who were seeking out volunteers to sew masks. I plan to continue to sew more masks and hope to have a stockpile so that I can send them out quickly as they continue to be requested.
IM: Where are you distributing them?
Earley: I am currently sewing them at home, and then will be sending them out through the US postal mail to those who have sent requests for masks. Of course I’m taking precautions to keep the masks as clean as possible in the process.
IM: What are you using for materials to construct the masks?
Earley: Originally I was using cotton fabrics and supplies that I had at home in attempt to be compliant with social distancing trends. The fabric I am currently using is a high quality, 100% cotton fabric donated by Louise and Ralph Hurlbutt, the generous owners of Hurlbutt Designs, in Kennebunkport, Maine. The fabric is washed and dried prior to assembling the masks so that it will hold its shape over time with frequent laundering after use.
IM: Why is it vital that people band together and support each other during this time of pandemic (with the whole “social distancing” thing and all…)?
Earley: The term “it takes a village” means so much more now than ever. Even though one may not be directly affected medically by this pandemic, the ripple effects cannot be escaped. Thankfully I have my health, and am able to make a difference to this cause, which has given me a chance to give back. Having been the recipient of so much love and support while going through treatment and beyond, it has been my motto to give back and help support those going through similar uncertainty when I am able.
Together we can eliminate both of these illnesses through education and by supporting each other during the difficult times.
IM: Though different, how is protecting yourself from the spread of virus as important as protecting your skin from the damage caused by UV exposure? What’s the best all-around mode of attack right now?
Earley: The individual concern for protecting yourself from the virus and protecting your skin from UV exposure are similar in so many ways, yet unique as well. Both require a conscious effort to take necessary steps such as for skin protection, avoiding the high sun hours of the day, between 10:00am through 2:00pm, wearing sunscreen, wearing sun protective clothing, and avoiding high UV exposure such as tanning beds. Similarly with protecting the spread of a virus you want to educate yourself on how it is transmitted, what the symptoms are, wash your hands and use hand sanitizer, maintain 6-feet of separation, wear a mask when in public… it is important to avoid high contact areas such as crowds, and to stay home. Unlike Melanoma, a virus is contagious, meaning we pass it along from one person to another. So while we attempt to protect ourselves from the potential damages of the sun and intense UV exposure, by using precautions against the virus we are not only protecting ourselves, but interrupting the potential spread to others.
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If you have a request you’d like to make for one of these masks, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll do our best to help facilitate your procurement of one. Though we must respect that Kathy is but one person, so quantities are limited. We appreciate the interest and wish you all good, safety inspired health!
