A Gathering of Remembrance
On a poignant Saturday, people gathered at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park in Tucson, Arizona, to honor the memory of loved ones lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was a heartfelt tribute, with participants walking in memory of those who have passed.
Personal Stories of Loss
Maria Suarez, who lost her husband to COVID-19 in January 2021, shared, “We celebrate their lives. We’re walking for them. And to let everybody know that they’re always going to live in our memories.” Her participation is not only for her husband but for every life touched by the pandemic.
The Yellow Heart Memorial
The Yellow Heart Memorial was highlighted during the event. Founded by Rosie Davis, it aims to humanize every victim of the pandemic. Davis expressed, “I created the first memorial in my backyard, and then I went to a community level, and from there it actually went global.”
Community Support and Resources
The Pima County Health Department was present, distributing free COVID-19 test kits, Narcan, sunscreen, tissues, hand-sanitizer, and more. This gesture was part of their ongoing support for the community.
Reflections on the Pandemic
According to the CDC, there were 10 COVID-related deaths in Arizona in the first week of September this year. It’s been four years since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic, and the Biden Administration plans to end the public health emergency declarations by May 2023.
Such events not only honor those we’ve lost but also bring communities together, fostering a sense of unity and healing.
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