COVID-19 has swept around the world, infecting people from all walks of like and even killing people by the thousands. Amid all the chaos, there are stories of hope, resilience, and survival. After this long-term Coronavirus patient finally beat the disease and was released from the hospital, these nurses danced with joy to send him off.
This is so heartwarming, these are the type of stories we need to focus on in these tough times!
Nurses in California dance with happiness when a long-term COVID-19 patient is finally released from the hospital
Armando Mendoza is a 53-year-old man who lives in Orange County, CA. He began his struggle with Coronavirus on March 21st when he rushed to St. Joseph Hospital Orange with shortness of breath. Just 48 hours after being admitted, Mendoza was put on a breathing machine that he remained on for weeks.
As his condition got worse, his family was unsure if he’d make it but they never let go of hope. Mendoza’s Critical Care Pulmonologist, Dr. Jooby Babu said:
“Forty-eight hours after he came in, we had to place him on a breathing machine because he was not able to sustain his breathing. He was on the breathing machine for at least four weeks. He was extremely sick, and there were times when we were wondering how he would pull through the night.”
Luckily, Mendoza’s health eventually started progressing but it would take 45 days of treatment before he was finally able to go home
After being placed on a tracheostomy, doctors were able to slowly take his off of the ventilator and help him get into good enough shape for the long-awaited homecoming. His family was overcome with gratitude for the nurses and doctors that helped him.
“Everybody who supported and assisted my dad, we’re incredibly happy. We’re incredibly blessed and we’re just excited to have him home, it’s been really hard, given the situation and given the circumstances. This is a magnificent day!” Said his son David.
When the big day came, nurses lined up outside to dance while a mariachi band played
The scene outside of St. Joseph Hospital Orange was one of glee and celebration, as hospital staff lined on each side of Mendoza to cheer him on while he left the ICU.
Nurses cheered and danced for Mendoza while still in scrubs and wearing protective face masks. There’s a good reason for them to celebrate, Mendoza had the longest battle to date for patients with COVID-19 at SJO.
“I’m so happy. Thank you guys. Thank you for your support. It’s been really hard, given the situation and given the circumstances. This is a magnificent day!”
He’s not completely out of the woods yet and still has a long road ahead, but at least he’ll be in the comfort of his own home
After being there for 45 days, Mendoza went home where his wife Lilia will now be the one taking care of him. The 53-year-old is still using an oxygen machine to help him breathe, but he’s much better than where he was almost 2 months ago when he first came down with Coronavirus.
With so many negative scenarios playing out right now, these are the kind of stories we need to lift our spirits and keep the hope alive in times where so many people are struggling to do so. To see the inspiring send-off, watch the video below!
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