Carolann Gann Nurses Memorial Fund
Donation protected
"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world."
-Fred Rogers
As our mother Carolann Gann met the Lord Wednesday, March 26th, it was because of the helpers that we were able to say goodbye to her during our very own 'disaster'. Carolann lost her life due to complications from COVID-19. Due to her being positive for COVID, her children and family were not able to join her as she passed. It was the selfless nurses at Swedish Issaquah Hospital that gave our family the opportunity to make amends, say our goodbyes and to give our mom permission to go. One of the biggest tragedies happening because of this terrible virus is that people are dying alone. The nursing team allowed us to call and FaceTime our mom during the final days of her life by using their personal cell phones. These nurses made a promise to us that while we were not able to be there in her final moments; she would not be alone. They honored that commitment by holding her hand and caressing her hair as she passed. We are forever grateful for their selfless acts of compassion.
Please see our story here: https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/03/30/michelle-bennett-lost-mother-coronavirus-facetime-hospital-baldwin-sot-vpx.cnn
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/lynnwood-wa/carolann-gann-9099354
In Washington State and the greater Seattle/King County area, we had the first confirmed case and death from COVID 19. King County became the first epicenter of COVID related cases and deaths. In just King County, as of this publication, there have been more than 2160 confirmed cases and 144 deaths related to COVID 19. My mother was reported to be death 95 in King County. She was much more than just a number.
We are raising funds for nursing staff in King County hospitals. These funds will be used to support nurses directly. We want to give back and honor all of our local nurses who were so amazing during this terrible time. We also want to give back to a profession that Carolann gave to for 38 years; the profession of nursing.
Monies from this fund will give immediate assistance to nurses affected by the COVID-19 crisis; those who are unable to work due to a COVID-19 infection; those who are caring for a family member with COVID-19, or those who are under mandatory quarantine. Working through existing King County health care employee assistance programs, these funds will be used to directly support nurses in supplementing lost wages, supporting unexpected family expenses, and/or providing needed counseling/PTSD related services. This is a grassroots effort by our family and friends and there are no overhead costs. All monies donated will go directly to King County nurses that have been affected by COVID-19.
Thank you to the nurses at all of our King County hospitals. You are heroes, and we appreciate all that you do!
Our hope is that community members in other cities, counties, and states will set up similar funds for their heroic and tireless health care professionals.
-Fred Rogers
As our mother Carolann Gann met the Lord Wednesday, March 26th, it was because of the helpers that we were able to say goodbye to her during our very own 'disaster'. Carolann lost her life due to complications from COVID-19. Due to her being positive for COVID, her children and family were not able to join her as she passed. It was the selfless nurses at Swedish Issaquah Hospital that gave our family the opportunity to make amends, say our goodbyes and to give our mom permission to go. One of the biggest tragedies happening because of this terrible virus is that people are dying alone. The nursing team allowed us to call and FaceTime our mom during the final days of her life by using their personal cell phones. These nurses made a promise to us that while we were not able to be there in her final moments; she would not be alone. They honored that commitment by holding her hand and caressing her hair as she passed. We are forever grateful for their selfless acts of compassion.
Please see our story here: https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2020/03/30/michelle-bennett-lost-mother-coronavirus-facetime-hospital-baldwin-sot-vpx.cnn
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/lynnwood-wa/carolann-gann-9099354
In Washington State and the greater Seattle/King County area, we had the first confirmed case and death from COVID 19. King County became the first epicenter of COVID related cases and deaths. In just King County, as of this publication, there have been more than 2160 confirmed cases and 144 deaths related to COVID 19. My mother was reported to be death 95 in King County. She was much more than just a number.
We are raising funds for nursing staff in King County hospitals. These funds will be used to support nurses directly. We want to give back and honor all of our local nurses who were so amazing during this terrible time. We also want to give back to a profession that Carolann gave to for 38 years; the profession of nursing.
Monies from this fund will give immediate assistance to nurses affected by the COVID-19 crisis; those who are unable to work due to a COVID-19 infection; those who are caring for a family member with COVID-19, or those who are under mandatory quarantine. Working through existing King County health care employee assistance programs, these funds will be used to directly support nurses in supplementing lost wages, supporting unexpected family expenses, and/or providing needed counseling/PTSD related services. This is a grassroots effort by our family and friends and there are no overhead costs. All monies donated will go directly to King County nurses that have been affected by COVID-19.
Thank you to the nurses at all of our King County hospitals. You are heroes, and we appreciate all that you do!
Our hope is that community members in other cities, counties, and states will set up similar funds for their heroic and tireless health care professionals.
Organizer and beneficiary
Brandi Gordon
Organizer
Renton, WA
Michelle Bennett
Beneficiary