CHARDON, Ohio — The coronavirus pandemic has been tough on us all, but perhaps no one has felt the brunt more than those in nursing homes.
Several outbreaks at such facilities have been reported across the country, and Ohio is no exception. Most patients at the homes are among the most-susceptible to COVID-19, meaning their contact with the outside world has been limited to non-existent.
One local boy wanted to reach out and help those who might be feeling lonely during this difficult time: According to the Chardon Healthcare Center, a woman named Maria called them in March and said her son Sergio wanted to write letter and send pictures to nursing home residents in the area. The center "happily accepted," and soon their mail was being flooded with warm gestures from the child.
A woman named Marge was so touched by Sergio's actions that she decided to write back, and the two struck up a "pen pal"-like friendship. They finally met on Thursday, when Sergio and Maria helped Marge celebrate her birthday by bringing her cake and balloons as well as playing bingo with her at her window.
"During such a strange and scary time, Sergio and Maria took the opportunity to reach out to make a difference in the life of a stranger, and they have touched all of our hearts in the process," CommuniCare Family of Companies wrote on Facebook.
