Patria Javier
By: Jaime Vining
Coral Springs resident Patria Javier lost her hearing and speech abilities as a young child — turning to sewing as a way to express herself.
Patria Javier and her daughter Rodaisis Frias.
Now, she is using those skills to make handmade masks for local first responders during the COVID-19 health crisis.
“My mother has difficulty communicating,” explained Javier’s daughter Rodaisis Frias. “She never learned universal sign language or how to read and write, but she is a very smart person and will find a way to make others understand her.”
Like many others, Javier observed the supply shortages faced by healthcare workers and wanted to contribute.
“She made like 100 masks to donate, and then I posted on social media for places in need,” said Frias. “People kept reaching out for masks, and the demand has been nonstop.”
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Javier is a self-taught seamstress, who has been sewing apparel for over 50 years.
“She is very passionate about creating and designing clothes for everybody, especially her grandchildren,” Frias shared. “She made my wedding dress and my quinceañera dress as well.”
Masks made by Patria Javier.
Javier wants to continue to share her talents with the Coral Springs community and has offered to donate a beautiful dress to a family who has been affected by this pandemic. All they need to do is get the materials, and she will design and sew the dress for them.
“My mom always tells me, ‘when your life is turned upside down, a new opportunity emerges.’ She lost her hearing and speech, but she didn’t know how magical her hands were until then. She is my true hero.”
To contact Javier about her donations and to check out all her different designs, please visit her Instagram page here.
Send your news to Coral Springs’ #1 News Source Coral Springs Talk.
Author Profile
Prior to earning her law degree, Jaime was a featured journalist for publications like the Orlando Sentinel and aXis Magazine.
Jaime is also a mom to two little boys and you will regularly find her running early mornings at Pine Trails Park trying to keep up with them.
Related
NewsSeptember 18, 2020Brother, Sister Collect 25 Pounds of Garbage at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
NewsSeptember 8, 2020Coral Springs Company Launches ‘Operation Birthday Bash Drive-Thru’
NewsAugust 17, 2020Deadline Approaches for Nonprofits to Apply for Community Chest Grant Money
NewsAugust 9, 2020Join a Virtual Race with the Northwest Broward Road Runners Club
