Vaccination worth $50K for a once-hesitant woman
Rise in variants drove local to get vaccinated July 7
Leslie Boney had no intention of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Then the West Bloomfield woman heard more and more about the variants. On July 7 she was vaccinated.
Not only was it a good move to keep her protected, but on Tuesday she was named as one of 10 of the newest $50,000 winners in the MI Shot to Win contest which was set up to drive more Michiganders toward the COVID-19 vaccine.
“My husband was already vaccinated. He had talked to me and expressed his concern. I thought about it for a couple weeks and then when I heard about the other variants arising I just went ahead and got it,’’ said Boney who is CEO of Gorgeous Brown Girls Skin Care.
“I never have been provaccine as far as any vaccine as far as the flu vaccine. I’ve never had a vac
cine in my entire life. I’ve never been for that at all. For that reason I did not want to get it,’’ she added.
Most of her friends had already been vaccinated. Her 16-year-old son, Jacob, had not and she made sure he got the shot about 10 days ago.
“He’s still angry about it actually,’’ Boney said.
Along with getting the big check, she feels confident she made the right decision.
“We like to travel, we like to take trips. I know the vaccine does not prevent you from getting it — I understand that — I feel more secure having it, than not having anything and going out. I feel more confident having the vaccine,” Boney said.
For the MI Shot to Win campaign, Friday, July 30, is the deadline to either get the first dose of vaccine and sign up for the contest or to sign up for the contest if you have been vaccinated since Dec. 1.
A $2 million grand prize will be drawn around Aug. 4 with $50,000 daily prizes awarded through Aug. 3. Also a scholarship drawing will be held for those ages 12-17
“As you know this virus is still very, very real. Right now we are seeing an uptick in our case rates as many of you have reported on and as the public is following,’’
Kerry Ebersole Singh, Protect Michigan Commission director, said during Tuesday’s announcement. “The delta variant is here in Michigan and those numbers we’re tracking very closely here and across the country. You still have an opportunity to get vaccinated.’’
Miss Michigan Vivian Zhong of Northville was a part of the on-line festivities and said spreading the word about vaccines is a part of her duties with the crown she was awarded in June.
“Winning this honor also brings a lot of responsibility. One of my goals during this year as Miss Michigan is to speak to young people and encourage them to get immunized against COVID 19,’’ said the 24-year-old Zhong who will compete in the Miss American Scholarship competition in December.
She made a special appeal to those 12 and older to get vaccinated before the school year starts.
“We can’t be sure that the delta variant won’t take us back to those depressing times where we were before, so please get vaccinated and protect yourself and your family and friends,’’ said Zhong who is a University of Michigan graduate and an incoming first-year medical student.
So far about 63% of Michiganders have received at least the first dose of the vaccine with the goal still set at 70%.
“We’re going to keep pounding this message. The safe and effective vaccines keep you, your family, your community and the most vulnerable safe from COVID-19,’’ Ebersole Singh said. “With about half the population fully vaccinated the country is facing what federal officials have called a pivotal point in the pandemic.
“Some Michiganders who have been hesitant have rolled up their sleeves to get their shots — not because they oppose vaccinations but because they’re reluctant, anxious or haven’t made it to the top of the todo list are finally getting it done which we’re excited about,’’ she added.
Anthony Carroll of Detroit, another $50,000 winner, said he did his research on the vaccine and got his first shot on July 12. He was concerned about his several young nieces and nephews and the fact that his mom is getting up there in age.
“You can’t deny that it’s not only the safest thing we can do, but the most compassionate thing we can do for our neighbors,’’ Carroll said.
Erika Smith, a $50,000 winner from Flint, is pregnant and said her doctor recommended the vaccine for the safety of her and her baby. Her advice to those who haven’t been vaccinated: “Take the leap, just do it.”
For more information, see MIshottowin.com.