People

Editor's Note: Beginning the day after the riot in downtown Reno that destroyed property and rocked our community, Diaz Dixon, CEO of the Eddy House and community advocate, took to Facebook Live. 

And every morning since then, he has posted a Facebook Live video with powerful words about racism, the struggles faced daily by people of color and the power of positivity. 

If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, sad or even angry about coronavirus, you are not alone. We have all been affected in some way. Coronavirus is a global phenomenon, and Reno/Sparks, Nevada is not an exception. In a short span of time, our “normal” at home, school and in our community has changed.

Any change requires an adjustment. Abrupt change, like what we face with coronavirus, can lead to a rollercoaster of painful emotions. That is why we are sharing with you our top five things to do to stay positive during these trying times.

When someone shares their talents with the world in order to put a smile on people’s faces, we think that’s an action worth celebrating. That’s why we decided to reach out to photographer and UNR student Isaac Hoops, who has been documenting the Silver Legacy’s messages of community support. He shared his work with the world — and even allowed us to use his image as our cover photo on Facebook. Here’s our conversation with Isaac about his art, his background and how he stays positive in the face of a global pandemic. 

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. 

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.

Over the past month, the COVID-19 pandemic has touched every aspect of our community, state, country, and world. It has changed the way we connect to one another, and it has changed the way we give to one another.

It’s no secret that times are tough right now. But our community is strong — and our non-profits, stronger in their resolve than perhaps ever before!

Just as they always have, local non-profit organizations are working through this crisis to help the most vulnerable among us. Here are just a few organizations (out of hundreds) doing the heavy lifting during a very scary time.