Protecting the Front Line

Because her husband is a physician, Carrie Rao realized early in the pandemic that masks were in high demand. As a quilter, Rao had a significant stash of fabric that she quickly sewed into masks. She generously donated more than 200 masks to the community, including Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

In addition, the Raos made unrestricted financial gifts so the hospital could apply the support where it was needed most. “It’s important to us to support our local health care organization however we can,” Rao said. “This pandemic makes us realize how essential it is to have a quality suburban hospital in our backyard. It plays an important role in our lives.”

Nancy Ellis also donated masks after discovering a large, forgotten box of N95 masks in her laundry room that she had received a few years ago during another virus outbreak.

“Early on, the hospitals were desperate for equipment, so I wanted to help,” Ellis says. “All the health care professionals had unbelievable responsibilities and I realized donating the masks might save a life. I’m thrilled to think the masks made the frontline feel more secure and kept them safe. I’m so grateful for the work the medical professionals do every day in taking care of others.”

Ellis saw how many people were in need during the pandemic, so she also made a financial gift to the hospital to help others.