I started writing this blog when the Covid-19 pandemic was just in the beginning stage. I wanted to understand what the experience was like for front line workers, especially for those who worked in the Covid-19 units. However, the pandemic started to develop quickly and I would have to wait. It became clear that other things would take precedent. I would need to wait to talk to Sandra about her experience as a registered nurse. People would be temporarily laid off and dealing with personal difficulties. The list of worries and concerns were growing exponentially. The country was slowly shutting down except for essential businesses. In the next few months, life would be far from normal. The uncertainty of what laid ahead was loaming like a dark cloud.

When the blog was started, the world’s death rate was at 425,595, active cases reached 7,663,762, and recoveries 3,884,211. Canada ranked 17th in the world with 8,048 deaths, 97,893 cases, and 58,484 recoveries. These health workers would give everything to help and comfort Covid-19 patients. Others would be the communicator between patient and family. Some healthcare workers would succumb to the virus themselves. This pandemic ravaged through people’s lives. Religion, wealth, gender, race never mattered.

The story begins here with someone I have known for approximately 10 years. A person I call a friend and big supporter of Revolteur/HVBR Clothing brand. Her name is Sandra Soares, who is unknown to many. To those who know her, an amazing individual with a heart of gold. I first met Sandra through floor hockey and then ball hockey, we played against and with each other. One day I asked if she would model our hats. Surprisingly she said yes first, with why me. I always made sure to work around her work schedule, at times was difficult but always seemed to work out.
I always thought Sandra was a nurse, not realizing she was a paramedic first. After approximately 3 years of being a paramedic, it was time for a slight change with new challenges. She decided to become a registered nurse. It has been about 8 years now and she has not looked back. When the job is stressful both mentally and physically, there is a special feeling of being able to help people at their most vulnerable. As patients, we look for the compassion and dedication of these individuals when we are scared.

However, Covid was just as scary for Sandra making sure protocols are followed at work and in her personal life, this added quite a bit of stress to Sandras’ new reality. Every day she grew more concerned whether she would contract covid-19 and pass it on. She had to self isolate to make sure her partner would be safe. At one point she had to consider making a will, just in case. We can’t begin to understand what these frontline workers went through and are still going through. They made and still make sacrifices beyond our understanding. THANK YOU for all you do.

1. Who is Sandra Soares?

Sandra is 34 and living her best life!

2. 5 words to describe your weakness?

Blunt, Self Critical, use humor as a defence mechanism, work more on self-expression/communication, procrastinates

3. 5 words to describe your strength?

Optimistic (but not overly), determined, accountable, work well under pressure, loving.

4. Who inspires you and why?

My parents inspire me the most, their strength, love, hardworking ethic, and determination. 

5. What’s on your bucket list?

Travel, motherhood, drive an Aston Martin, be part of a flash mob, learn how to swim, learn Opera, get my M license.

6. Favourite things to do on your downtime?

Hangout with the wifey and cat. Listen to music or read a book. go for a bike ride, be in nature, shoot some hoops, dance/sing around the house

7. Your last concert? 

I think it was Sarah McLachlan.

8. Android or apple? 

Android

9. Which do you prefer hockey or soccer? 

Soccer

10. You can have one CD and one book, what will they be?

My mix of random songs and “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

11. What made you choose your career?

In high school, I enjoyed biology, chemistry, and exercise science. I knew a medical profession was in the future for me.

12. With covid-19 present in our lives and changing daily habits. What does this mean for you as a front line healthcare worker and your personal life?

As a healthcare worker, you are always at risk of being exposed to any virus. Wearing PPE and performing continuous hand hygiene is nothing new, this is part of our daily routine.

However, Covid was a virus that presented a lot of challenges. The new complexity of this virus and the rate of infection took the world by surprise. Fear and frustration of being told we have enough PPE but finding out PPE was being locked up to be rationed for use. Having too be redeployed to a new unit and fearful of contracting this virus. Hoping you’re spreading it to the ones we love. Taking the extra steps to ensure safety for yourself, your family, colleagues, and patients. Donning and doffing PPE while also wearing and washing scrubs at work. Disposing of clothes properly and showering right away. Having a contingency plan in case I caught Covid, living in the basement for 14 days and having a will set in place. We continue to adapt to the new reality we find ourselves in. I stay mindful to check in on friends, family, and colleagues around me.