Every phone call with family in India is anxiety-inducing for Burlington resident Vaishali Gade.
For the last several weeks, the country has been experiencing the worst COVID-19 outbreak the world has seen thus far, with some days seeing nearly 400,000 cases. No place is safe and Gade's loved ones haven't been spared.
"Every time you call, you hear this uncle, this aunt, this neighbor. Either they are affected with the COVID or they passed away," she said. "And my heart just breaks. I'm afraid to pick up the phone."
Gade is with the India Association of Greater Boston, which has partnered with aid groups in India to donate supplies like oxygen cylinders, which many rural areas are struggling to find. Next, the group is hoping to collect enough funds for temporary hospital beds.