Blogs

Think back to every wedding, prom or birthday party you’ve ever been to. What made it fun? Of course the people did, but what else? I’m guessing it had something to do with the fantastic, exactly-right-for-the-occasion tunes — the songs that required you to get up and dance, or at least tap your foot.

As our community continues to grapple with the ripple effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada continues on its mission to support all of those in need. For more than 70 years, we’ve been helping people of all cultures and beliefs rise out of poverty and overcome the barriers to self-sufficiency, while also protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our staff, volunteers, and community. 

My mom has created the world’s most magical backyard. 

I honestly have no idea how she does it. Even during quarantine, she manages to have fairy lights twinkling, hanging baskets overflowing with cascading flowers and an emerald green lawn. My 7-year-old daughter is 100 percent convinced fairies make their home there, and her 46-year-old mom (yes, I’m talking about myself in the third person) just about believes it, too. 

It’s safe to say that none of us received training on how to parent during a global pandemic. And most of us have had limited experience, if any, at home schooling. Yet here we are. As much as we love our kids, it can be — um, challenging — to be cloistered in such close quarters with them 24/7. And we think we can all agree that most teachers should be paid much, much more than they are.

With all that in mind, here are some of the insights local parents have learned about their kids while they all #StayHomeForNevada.

Many Northern Nevadans are developing newfound skills in the art of sewing face masks as a result of the current pandemic. And while healthcare workers, grocery store employees and neighbors are often the recipients, one population is particularly vulnerable when it comes to falling through the cracks for receiving these potentially live-saving tools: families in need. 

To address this important population, iCelerate - High Sierra Industries (HSI) went to work.

Jonah Howell was a force to be reckoned with on the field, and everyone knew it. The full-bearded, 16-year-old, cornerback earned the nickname “The Bearded Warrior” after two years on his high school’s junior varsity team. But when Jonah was diagnosed with cancer in December of 2019, he was terrified of losing his hair and signature look that inspired the nickname.

My name is Kip Lee, and at the age of 42, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and found myself sitting in a patient room at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.

I was unsure of my future, because I had just finished the final stage of my autologous transplant. I was shivering uncontrollably and having an allergic reaction to the stem cells that were cryogenically frozen and were now being given back to me into my blood. I recall the nurse placing multiple warm blankets over me; however, nothing appeared to help.

Yes, many of us are trapped at home — and we’re spending the kind of time with our families that we probably never have before. While that can be challenging, it also gives us a chance to learn surprising things about the people we love.

We reached out to our Facebook friends to ask them what they’ve learned about their partners during this crisis.  

Story update May 4, 2020