Surviving COVID: Marlene's Road to Recovery

Marlene Chavez was hospitalized for COVID-19 in October 2021, shortly before her daughter's 5th birthday. Marlene’s condition quickly declined, requiring a transfer to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) that same month. In ICU, Marlene's health continued to worsen, ultimately needing the help of a ventilator. She spent a total of 84 days fighting to survive on life support. Marlene miraculously showed slow and minor signs of improvement, eventually qualifying her for a tracheostomy. Unfortunately, weeks passed before Marlene could be awakened safely and regain her strength, even to lift her arms or legs. Being confined to a hospital bed for a prolonged time, attached to machines, left her with significant weakness requiring intense physical therapy. She was finally discharged home at the end of December 2021, right before New Year's Eve.

Sadly, Marlene’s father was also on life support with COVID-19 and passed away while fighting for her own life.

Marlene is grateful to have survived and to be given a second chance at life. However, leaving the hospital and returning to everyday life has been another great challenge. Many who survive critical illness and near-death experiences suffer emotional, physical, and cognitive disabilities, including Marlene. Although Marlene survived COVID, her road to full recovery will continue to be arduous as the long-term effects of severe COVID illness continue to be uncovered.

Marlene is described as a hard-working individual, full of life and always willing to help her friends in times of need. As you can imagine, a prolonged hospital stay has placed a significant financial burden on her and her family. Therefore, we are asking the community for financial support to help Marlene during this time of recovery. Anything donated will help her family with doctor visits, continued testing, physical therapy, and other medical/personal expenses.

*The photos and story are shared with permission from Marlene and her family.