New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been front and center during the COVID-19 outbreak as the state of New York, and New York City in particular, have been hit especially hard. The death toll in the state of New York surpassed 16,000 this week. On Thursday, Gov. Cuomo announced that antibody testing of 1,200 New Yorkers revealed an astonishing 21% may have already had the virus.
Needless to say, hospitals have been especially slammed and like all states, New York has struggled to get all the necessary protective equipment for healthcare professionals working on the front lines in crowded emergency rooms and ICUs. One Kansas farmer was moved to do his part for New Yorkers, sending a letter and one of five masks he had for farming purposes to the governor so it could be passed to a healthcare professional fighting on the front line.
Gov. Cuomo shared the letter (seen below) and frankly, it has truly brought tears to our eyes. This is America. This is how we should be helping each other in these united states.
Dear Mr. Cuomo,
I seriously doubt that you will ever read this letter as I know you are busy beyond belief with the disaster that has befallen our country. We currently (as of March 26) a nation in crisis. Of that there is no doubt. Your approach has been spot on correct. I commend you for that & for especially for telling the truth, something that has been sorely lacking as of late.
I am retired farmer hunkered down in N.E. Kansas with my wife who has but one lung and occasional problems with her remaining lung. She also has diabetes. We are in our 70s and frankly I am very afraid for her.
Enclosed find a solitary N95 mask leftover from our farming days. It has never been used. If you could, would you please give this mask to a nurse or doctor in your city. I have kept four masks for my immediate family. Please keep on doing what you do so well, which is lead….
Sincerely,
Dennis (name redacted)
We are in this together and we deserve leadership that starts from that place and works outward from there. Here is Gov. Cuomo reading the letter and reacting.