Marine family lends RV to Virginia paramedic whose son wouldn't survive COVID-19
A Facebook group has created a community of lending hands for first responders with a big need: a temporary home.
Doctors, nurses, firefighters, EMTs and other first responders are all on the front lines of the battle against the novel coronavirus. Most of them are having to isolate themselves from their families so they don't expose them to COVID-19.
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It's a huge sacrifice, and thanks to a Facebook group called RVs 4 MDs To Fight the Corona Virus, first responders are being united with people who are willing to lend their RVs.
Aside from posting a request or offer on the page, participants are asked to fill out this form so organizers are able to more easily match people up.
"Please invite all healthcare workers in need and those with RV connections! We can save thousands from exposure!!" the group's description states.
Don't have an RV but want to help coordinate matchmaking efforts? There's a group for that.
FILLING A NEED
Patrick Alger, a Fredericksburg resident, shared a photo of his 2012 Fun Finder X and within 12 hours, is already lined up to lend it to paramedic Scott Clark from Chester, Virginia.
"I am a retired Marine, and when I took my oath to defend this country I took it for a lifetime. When I saw RVs for MDs I knew this was a way I could contribute to help out," Alger told ABC7.
Thursday night Alger, his wife Maria and son Dalton spend hours sanitizing the camper which they will deliver Friday.
“I’m overwhelmed with words and emotion,” says Clark.
Clark's 3-year-old son Eli lives with multiple medical conditions including a respiratory ailment and would probably not survive COVID-19.
“It is a lifesaver to have that knowledge and peace of mind that I can go to work not so much worried about myself as I am about my family and this little man here because he is my life.”
Maria Alger adds, “We’ve never met this man or his family but we just feel honored that we can give him this camper and he can live in it as long as he needs to keep his son healthy and safe.”
This is more than just a creative loan. It’s families across the country sharing a part of themselves so those waging the battle against COVID-19 can rest a bit easier.
Though it is only a small gesture it's something.
SEARCHING FOR HELP
Dana, who preferred not to share her last name, also posted in the group, but she is looking for an RV.
She, her husband and their kids live with her parents in Northern Virginia. She says her father has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also referred to as COPD. Dana’s husband is a firefighter/EMT.
We are so worried my husband could bring home this illness to my father and the rest of my family.
Dana and her family are looking for an RV or camper with a bathroom so her husband can stay there for the time being.
If you'd like to help Dana or anyone who's in a similar situation, CLICK HERE then fill out THIS FORM.
