On July 30, 2021, my Dad, James Menn went into the ER with shortness of breath. He had dealt with COPD for years & rarely went to the hospital for treatment. (If you knew him, you know he hated hospitals & would usually patch himself up at home.) So the fact that he asked my brother to take him in, we knew it was serious. He tested positive for COVID-19. He had strong beliefs and was not vaccinated. They gave him every treatment available due to his COPD, he was very high risk. He initially did "well" despite his poor lungs. One nurse told me "he's the most active COVID positive patient I've ever had." We couldn't believe it, he cheated death.

On 8/10/2021 he was transferred to an LTAC in Crown Point, VIBRA. This was due to him still on 8L of oxygen, but as soon as he was weaned down to 4L he could come home. On 8/16/2021 he was doing so well he was able to go outside. I remember he was so happy that day. Looking back now I'm so thankful he was able to have that moment. Doctors told him he should be able to go home the following week.

Over the next few days his body required more & more oxygen. X-rays of his lungs showed COVID pneumonia, labs showed an elevated WBC count. Doctors explained this is what COVID does. "There is no treatment, no pill for COVID, we can only treat his symptoms as they arise" It seemed his doctors felt as helpless as we did.

On 8/28/2021 blood cultures were positive, the infection was in his bloodstream. His body was requiring very high levels of oxygen, up to 60 Liters, but he still wasn't discouraged, he was coming home. Over the next few weeks he was able to gradually wean down on the oxygen. He would have good days & bad days. Doctors kept saying, "just hang in there, stay positive." His WBC count was decreasing, the IV antibiotics were working. Things seemed to be going in his direction, he cheated death again. Over the next few weeks he would yo-yo, better one day, then require more oxygen, it was exhausting to keep up. Calling everyday for updates, never knowing what direction he was heading.

On 9/17/2021 he became short of breath and his oxygen saturation plummeted. He was placed on a Bi-Pap mask, maxed out on oxygen & transferred to the nearest hospital. Despite being on a blood thinner, he had developed a Pulmonary Embolism and Blood Clots in his leg. He also still had COVID pneumonia. He was admitted to the hospital & was unable to remove the Bi-Pap mask for the next 2 days because his oxygen saturation would drop too low. During this time, he could not eat or get out of bed. He was struggling for every breath, the machine was pushing air into his lungs, but he was hungry for more. Trying to pull more air in with every breath. Tightly hanging onto the mask and tube, it was his lifeline, like he was under water. I would try to calm him, slow his breathing down. I would talk to him about when he was a Master Diver, "just imagine you're scuba diving. Nice easy breaths, in & out. We felt helpless watching him struggle day after day.

By the 3rd day 9/20/2021, he was able to remove the mask & be placed on high flow oxygen, so he could eat. The nurses allowed my Mom to stay with him overnight, this gave him so much comfort & I am so thankful for their kindness. On 9/21/2021 he was on high flow all day & only wore the mask to sleep. We couldn't believe it, he was one tuff old bird. He wasn't giving up.

On Wednesday 9/22/2021 the pulmonologist gave us terrible news. The damage COVID had done to his lungs was severe. His left lung was completely destroyed. It was very unlikely he would survive. We did not want to believe this... But he was still fighting, he was off the mask, he's eating... He was getting better again.... They knew at that moment, what we couldn't fathom. The next day his condition worsened, he again was on the Bi-Pap mask struggling for every breath. It was exhausting and heartbreaking to watch. As a family we had to have difficult conversations & make hard decisions with him to make sure we did what he wanted. Dad wanted to keep fighting.

On Friday, 9/24/2021, He was transferred to ICU on continuous Bi-Pap, but now he was receiving continuous IV sedation to keep him comfortable.(Among many other medications to keep his body going)

On 9/26/2021 my Mom at his side, the struggle to breath on the mask became too hard, his body was tired. He was placed on the ventilator early that morning. We hoped this would allow his body to rest, so his lungs could heal.

On 9/30/2021 his heart rate spiked to 180 and his oxygen level dropped. An x-ray of his chest showed his right lung collapsed, he had a pneumothorax. They placed a chest tube so his lung could re-inflate. He was deteriorating. On October 1, 2021 we made the heartbreaking decision to make him comfort care. This was the hardest decision we have ever had to make. The nurse and respiratory therapist removed the breathing tube and turned the ventilator off. I held his hand, talked to him, told him everything was okay. We are all here with you and we love you. He passed away peacefully with his family at his side.

Our hearts are broken, we are still in shock. We have endured a rollercoaster of emotions during his 2 month struggle with COVID. Many of you have asked what you can do to help, please consider donating, and please feel free to share Jim's story. Every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated.