In nursing homes across the country, the last year has been grim. More than 100,000 residents and 1,000 of their caregivers have died from the coronavirus pandemic. Rapid COVID-19 tests to quickly identify cases are still hard to come by. Vaccines are on the way, but in many places, including the Diocese of San Antonio, the distribution is still slow.
Saint Francis Nursing Home, has already endured two coronavirus outbreaks. At this non-profit Catholic facility, essential medical staff include a small group of missionary sisters from Poland. The women religious all volunteered to take care of residents in the special COVID-19 unit.
Quickly controlling transmission is crucial. The sisters witnessed first-hand how rapid COVID-19 tests can help identify cases quickly enough to stop the virus from spreading. But the tests come at a steep price: 50 test kits for $250.
So when two of these sisters, Sr. Sancja Panek and Sr. Samuela Komperda, each received $1,000 grants from Sisters on the Frontlines, they knew just what to do. Sr. Sancja used her grant funds to purchase 200 life-saving test kits for their vulnerable elderly residents.
The sisters and those they care for are deeply grateful:
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Coronavirus in the community
When Sr. Sancja returns home from her work each day, the devastating impact from the virus can be seen all around her. She lives an impoverished area of San Antonio. Even before the pandemic, the city has been the poorest major metropolitan area in the country.
Many breadwinners in Sr. Sancja’s neighborhood have lost jobs due to the pandemic. With her grant monies, she was able to help those in need with food and basic supplies.
There’s no doubt: the money provided by the Sisters on the Frontlines project has helped save lives. But there is power in the funding even beyond that. Catholic Sisters like Samuela and Sancja live and serve among people most in need. Every cent is given in compassion and in service to God.
As the pandemic continues, so does the Sisters on the Frontlines initiative. Contributions to this program bring relief, joy and renewed faith to those among us who are so adversely affected.
Find out more about this program on the Sisters on the Frontlines webpage.
Give today to help Catholic sisters provide emergency assistance to families in need.
