A grateful nation thanks Dr. Anthony Fauci

No one wants to be the face of a pandemic. But as head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci had no choice. "No one is denying the fact that we are going through a very, very difficult time right now," he told the nation.

His visibility has made him vulnerable. There are those who disagree with his often-blunt realism about the disease, so much so the government has actually increased security around him.

Fauci on receiving death threats: "You know, it's my job" ("CBS This Morning")

But overall, Dr Fauci has way more fans than critics.

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Pins for fans of Dr. Anthony Fauci. Etsy

Even celebrities, like NBA superstar Steph Curry, see Dr. Fauci as the crisis' MVP.  "Thank you again – you and your entire team – for protecting all of us," Curry told the doctor during an Instagram Live Q&A.

Plenty are grateful. You can join Fauci Fan Clubs. There's Fauci footwear, even fancy Fauci food – donuts, in this case!

You can buy a "Honk for Dr. Fauci" yard sign. Or take a take a nap on your "I 💗Dr. Fauci" throw pillow.

You can ponder whether to go outside while wearing your "WWFD" (What Would Fauci Do?) T-shirt.

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What Would Fauci Do?  redbubble.com

Or stay inside, and light your Dr. Fauci prayer candle.

And remember Shepard Fairey's famous Obama image?  Dr. Fauci inspired others to copy it, giving us a new way to look at "Hope."

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CBS News

One could argue this is no laughing matter, and that's a fair point.  But we could all use a little levity to prepare for the weeks ahead.  Thank goodness our entrepreneurial spirit has the sense of humor to carry us through.

   For more info:

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesDr. Fauci Pins (Etsy)Dr. Fauci Socks (Etsy)"Honk for Dr. Fauci" Sign (Etsy)I ❤ Dr. Fauci Pillow (redbubble.com)Dr. Fauci Sweatshirt (Etsy)"What Would Fauci Do" T-shirt (redbubble.com)Dr. Fauci Prayer Candle (Etsy)Dr. Fauci "Hope" T-shirt (redbubble.com)

   Story produced by Aria Shavelson. Editor: Chad Cardin.

America shows its gratitude for Dr. Anthony Fauci

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