To the Editor:

Two-hundred years ago, May 12, 1820, Florence Nightingale, considered to be the founder of modern nursing, was born. In her honor, the World Health Organization declared 2020 as the international Year of the Nurse.

National Nurses Week is May 6 to 12. This is a time for all of us to express our thanks to the many healthcare workers who selflessly and courageously are caring for us.

It seemed the appropriate time to recognize my neighbor Karen Sigond, R.N., a local unsung hero.  Karen, in addition to her responsibilities at Albany Med, has made, given away, and delivered almost 180 masks to people as far away as Utica, New York. Bravo, Karen!

Thank you for your selfless dedication and for giving so freely of your time to help all of us in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. You are a credit to your profession and an example to all in this time of crisis.

Marie Helen Lounsbury

Berne