Life After Covid

Alma and Danny, already blessed with handsome 3-year-old Jacob, wanted to add one more to their family. In December, they went to the hospital to welcome Olivia. Arriving home, ready for the excitement and exhaustion of a newborn baby, their lives suddenly took a dramatic turn. Four days after coming home, Alma began feeling ill. She returned to the hospital only to find that she had contracted Covid 19. Alma would keep saying that she was exhausted but hopeful of returning home in five days throughout the first week. Not only would Alma not return home in five days, but nobody could have foreseen the journey she was about to undergo.

 

On 12/31/21, Alma was put on a ventilator. Doctors were giving updates to Danny, including nothing but bad news slowly turning worse. Through each update, Danny would say, "I know this isn't where her story ends. She has so much more to live for." He fought tirelessly researching, praying to find light in a dark place. After much research Danny found a stem cell treatment that seemed promising, then the work began. He convinced the hospital to incorporate the treatment, and some progress followed.

 

At this point, Alma's recovery changed from minute to minute. Good day; bad day, it didn't matter. Danny was there by her side, tracking every number on the ventilator and monitoring. He knew every staff member, every rotation of nurses and doctors, and he was there every step of the way.

 

As Danny sat and waited, he would speak with the doctors and nurses. They would share stories and compare notes. One day, Danny and the medical team got the inspiration to attempt the stem cell treatment again; improvement followed; after one more attempt, Alma's body began responding. Slowly, Alma's body began waking up. After 49 days on a ventilator, Alma woke up!

 

Alma has spent over three months in the hospital and in a rehabilitation center. She is learning to walk and use her body again, not having seen her children in 3 months. Alma will be returning home in 5 days, and though her body and mind are ready and willing to do the work to recover, the journey with this new normal is just beginning. With these generous donations, Alma and her family will be able to pay medical expenses and ensure she has the necessary equipment to keep her healthy while she continues her recovery.

 

There is no telling where Alma's road will lead. No magic ball or manual to follow. What we do know is that Alma is strong. Danny is strong. Covid 19 is awful. And Jacob and Olivia are ready for their Mommy. If I had to describe my dear friend Alma in one word, it would be proud. She is proud of her family, military experience, service with the police force, Cricut creations, and home design skills. I think it's fair to say that we are all proud to say Alma is our friend as a friend and neighbor.