Suzanne Uratani
Meet Suzanne Uratani, Mask Ambassador of MaskTogetherAmerica
Suzanne Uratani is a retired librarian and former graphic artist with a BFA in visual design, and MLISc, from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
She and her husband, Ted, have been Covid conscious since spring 2020. They masked with surgical and cloth before better masks were available. Both currently wear N95 respirators and KN95 masks every day before going out, and even when delivery persons or workers come into the home.
They take a layered approach to safety by using air purifiers in the home, changing the filters out regularly. Filtering air has the added effect of protecting them during episodes of volcanic eruption, from vog. They use nitric oxide nasal spray and cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash when necessary, and are up to date with all vaccines and boosters.
They mask because in 5+ years, neither have had colds, flu, nor any other respiratory ailments. She has asthma, and Ted was a smoker for 50 years. They want to continue their relative good health, and not rely on their only (adult) child to care for them.
In 2024, Suzanne joined a 3-year Long Covid observational study which involves blood and pulmonary function analysis. As of September 2024, an additional auto antibody study showed results still negative, and she has never gotten a covid infection. She remains in the control group.
Suzanne has a friend who left their 20-year career after being infected with Covid in early 2020. Five years later, they have finally been diagnosed with long Covid; hopefully, they and others affected will receive the treatment they deserve.
Suzanne continues to mask to protect others as well as herself.
