March 11, 2021 was significant for a number of reasons. It marked the 10th anniversary of the Great Tohoku (East Japan) Earthquake. The 9.0 magnitude earthquake in 2011 triggered a tsunami with waves as high as a 12-storey building, causing extensive flooding. An estimated 20,000 people were dead or missing and close to 500,000 people were forced to evacuate. In addition, a nuclear power plant meltdown triggered a nuclear emergency. 

Although 10 years have passed since that tragic disaster, survivors are still working to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. In memory of the lives lost and to wish the survivors continued strength and resilience, I offer these cranes of hope.

Cranes for 3.113 cranes to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Great Tohoku Earthquake in Japan, in memory of the lives lost and to give hope to the survivors.
 

March 11th marked the one year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. March 11, 2020 was also the day the first COVID patient passed away in Ontario. More than 2.5 million lives have been lost around the world to this virus. It has been 2 months since I lost my uncle to this terrible disease, and my family is still trying to accept this reality. 

Last month, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, a new hospital in Ontario opened its doors and pivoted to especially provide support for COVID-19 patients, as other hospitals in the city were reaching capacity. Hopefully this will enable more lives to be saved, combined with a rapid vaccination rollout program.

Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital-1Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital - a new hospital in Vaughan, Ontario that opened in February 2021 with a focus on providing support for COVID-19 patients.   Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital-2Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital - a new hospital in Vaughan, Ontario that opened in February 2021 with a focus on providing support for COVID-19 patients.
 

In memory of the loved ones lost to COVID, to wish their families peace, to inspire strength for everyone enduring lockdown restrictions, and to thank all healthcare workers who continue to fight on, I offer this image of light and hope. 

COVID-19 3.11 TributeCOVID-19 one year later - March 11, 2020 was the day WHO declared the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. A beacon of light in memory of the lives lost to this disease and to give hope for everyone to stay strong.

Let’s stay strong through the challenges. May good health and peace be bestowed upon everyone in the world in the near future!