During this time of social distancing and shelter-in-place, Roche colleagues found new ways to give back to their communities, some continuing to support nonprofit organizations they had volunteered with prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Amazingly, they were able to find the right balance of giving back while working from home, adjusting to the new (anything but) normal.
One colleague, Alexis Power, Medical and Scientific Affairs (MSA) Liaison on the Cardiac team in Indianapolis, approached her volunteerism through personal actions. Due to the lockdowns and concern for the safety of her husband recovering from cancer, Alexis’ work mainly occured in her office, where her seamstress talents produced thousands of quality face masks after learning many frontline workers were asked to make their disposable paper masks “last as long as possible.” Word about her masks spread through the community until eventually she was supplying masks to frontline workers, essential workers, the elderly and neighbors. She also started to grocery shop for elderly neighbors.
When asked to reflect on her overall experience Alexis shared, “I really feel that looking out for your fellow humans, whether they are family, neighbors or just someone in need, is something we should do every day. The pandemic just gave me the opportunity to do it on a broader scale. I also had a great deal of support from my family and friends in not only making but distributing masks.”