Woman plans COVID-19 memorial for Anna Maria Island beach. Here is how you can help her
Cathy Tobias wanted to do something to honor the lives of Floridians who died from COVID-19.
Last November, she began tying one ribbon on a twine chain for each Floridian lost during the pandemic.
The chain stretches about 2 1/2 football fields long, and is full of tightly bunched, color ribbons commemorating the almost 27,000 COVID deaths in Florida, including, as of Tuesday, 503 in Manatee County.
“My head couldn’t wrap around all the numbers. We are trying to keep up because the numbers keep growing,” Tobias said from her home on the northern end of Anna Maria Island.
Tuesday, the chain criss-crossed over her driveway, blowing in the wind. On Feb. 16, she plans to take the ribbon memorial to a stretch of beach in front of the Sandbar Restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., where volunteers will open it up along its full length.
“We want to make this a time when we remember those who have died from this horrible disease,” said Tobias, a career health care worker.
During the memorial observance, Tobias plans to distribute several hundred “we remember” buttons to participants.
Tobias is looking for volunteers to help stretch the memorial ribbon out along the beach. She is also inviting the public to attend and for anyone who has lost a loved one to write their name on a ribbon. Participants should wear a mask and practice social distancing.
“I want to make this event a time where people can come together for a time of healing. It has been very cathartic for the people working together on the ribbon,” she said.
Lucy Kanson is one of those who have been working with Tobias.
“We are all stuck in our houses. There is something very comforting about sitting and tying these ribbons. There is something therapeutic about honoring those who died,” Kanson said.
Although the country is bitterly divided, Kanson said the memorial is something that all Americans can come together on, regardless of their political leanings.
“It feels so healing,” she said.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy called the memorial a very thoughtful expression of mourning for those who have died during the pandemic.
“I am pleased that she is doing it. It’s sad so many people have passed away,” Murphy said.
Kanson and Tobias hailed the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines which are beginning to go into more and more arms.
Anyone who would like to volunteer for the memorial event may email Tobias at covidribbonmemorial@gmail.com. More information is available at www.facebook.com/covidribbonmemorial or www.instagram.com/covid.ribbon.memorial.
This story was originally published February 3, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
