by Patricia Lundy

Shelter in place restrictions are easing up in some locations, but that doesn’t mean the COVID-19 pandemic is going to go away any time soon. Healthcare workers, researchers, and policymakers are still learning how COVID-19 affects the body, how it’s spread, and what can be done to slow or ease the amount of people infected to avoid overwhelming the healthcare system.

With the Aragon team working remotely this month, we still wanted to find a way to give back—and there’s never been a more appropriate time. We turned to one of our favorite Aragon Cares pastimes—virtual runs—and while we couldn’t participate together in person, each of us did our part at home. Read on to learn how we had fun and helped the World Health Organization in the process!

The Great Toilet Paper Chase

Aptly named, perhaps due to the massive toilet paper shortage many Americans have found themselves in, The Great Toilet Paper Chase was one of the May virtual runs put on by Moon Joggers. Team Aragon had the option of walking/running a 1 mile, 5k, 10k, 13.1 or 26.2 mile race. After registering online, we each received a race bib to wear during our event and a medal to wear once we crossed the finish line!

Some of us took to the streets, while others of us ran in our own backyard, or the local park—battling a major heat wave in the Bay Area!

COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund

At least 30% of each registration cost for the virtual run was donated to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund—which is organized by the World Health Organization. This fund helps patients impacted by COVID-19 get the care they need; helps healthcare workers obtain necessary supplies; and helps researchers and scientists accelerate tracking and understanding of the virus, vaccine production, and treatments. So far, the fund has raised over $200 million dollars!

Bottom Line

We still have a long way to go in understanding how COVID-19 affects the body and how it will continue to impact healthcare systems and society as a whole. With everyone working remotely and sheltering in place, it was such a fun morale booster to come together virtually and participate in such a great cause! Aragon wants to know: how is your team giving back during the pandemic?