Thank you masks from Brazil

Despite the obstacles, ABEM has continued to deliver essential services with the generosity of their supporters. ABEM’s Director Marcelo Barros Mesquita tells us why they made over 5,000 face masks to say thank you.

Facing the challenges of coronavirus

The pandemic disrupted all of our programmes at ABEM, causing a serious state of emergency. In the beginning, the days were full of anxiety and doubt. We did everything we could to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Public events and rehabilitation therapy was cancelled to reduce the risk of infection. We followed the social distancing guidelines from the Ministry of Health. We even replaced specialised face-to-face support with online sessions.

Despite strain on Brazil’s economy, ABEM was determined to continue to meet its commitments and duty of care. We relied more than ever on the financial support of our partners at this critical time. The kindness of our supporters allowed us to maintain essential ABEM activities.

Expressing gratitude

The idea of sending masks to our supporters arose from our gratitude to everyone who helped ABEM survive in this moment of crisis and our commitment to fight the spread of the virus.

At the end of June, we sent more than 5,000 protective masks to our contacts, collaborators, members and people with MS, to express our deep gratitude and care. This was a way for us to thank everyone for the help we had received. It strengthened connections within our MS community and highlighted the urgency of keeping the COVID-19 pandemic under control. ABEM is very grateful to have been remembered and supported in this moment of crisis and uncertainty.

Written by the Director of the Associação Brasileira de Esclerose Múltipla, Marcelo Barros Mesquita