by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
Healthcare workers in Connecticut – and the nation ‑ are getting additions to their wardrobes thanks to a New York-based clothing line.
Womens wear brand Ramy Brook has established a Healthcare Heroes registry as a way to thank the “frontline heroes” of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the registry, healthcare workers can pick items they like from the Ramy Brooks website (RamyBrook.com) and put them on their list. Customers then can peruse the workers’ list and buy the items selected.
The brand donates 20% of proceeds from the Healthcare Heroes registry to No Kid Hungry and Jumpstart, which feed, educate and care for children left vulnerable due to the pandemic.
Shreya Amin, 28, a medical resident at Danbury Hospital, is one of the women who has registered. She is appreciative of the support customers of Ramy Brook have provided healthcare workers like herself, especially given the stress of treating patients during the pandemic.
“COVID has made me strong and weak all at the same time,” said Amin. “Despite the pandemic slowing down now, life will never be as usual.”
“The worst part about being a provider is not knowing what to do next to save your patients,” said Amin of her experience at Danbury. “Unfortunately that’s exactly what this virus brought to us ‑ an array of questions with many ideas but no guaranteed solutions.”
“I’m now much stronger as a physician making decisions and yet I’m weak emotionally because the guilt of not being able to save them all,” said Amin. “During these times of great stress and anxiety, it feels really good inside to know that while you’re busy taking care of others someone out there is trying to make you feel as important too… (the healthcare registry) was a very thoughtful idea.”
Amin said she doesn’t currently have the money to make too many “personal pleasure purchases.”
However, she said, “knowing that someone would be willing to get me something that I can’t afford just because they hear me and feel like I deserve it makes me feel so much happier.”
The registry gave Amin the time for a little recreational shopping, even if she couldn’t try on the clothes she put on her wish list.
“It took my mind away from all the stress while I simply imagined myself in these,” said Amin, who has found herself wearing scrubs more often than not these past few months.
Although the whole website was hers for the asking, Amin said she decided to focus on attire more appropriate for work rather than relaxing.
“My style is more comfort based and sober style as I’m a very intimate person who values comfort and quality over brands,” said Amin.
Due to the registry at Ramy Brook, Amin said, someone bought her a blouse. “(It) was very comfortable and fashionable – best of both worlds.”
“I survived (the COVID-19 pandemic) and will continue to thrive…with the help and support of my family, friends and secret admirers and donors like Ramy Brook,” said Amin.
For information about the registry, visit Ramy Brook.