You fear it, you know how to avoid it, and your heart goes out to people who may have caught it, but can you imagine spending 152 days in the hospital with it? Our fantastic intern Lorin shared the story of Crystal Gutierrez's 152 day battle with COVID-19. We all have so much to be thankful for even in a year like 2020.

Crystal Gutierrez, a Texas City mother, was released yesterday after spending 152 days in the hospital battling COVID-19. Gutierrez was actually 36 weeks pregnant when she began to notice she was experiencing symptoms of the virus. After going to the hospital, doctors immediately performed an emergency Caesarian section.

After Gutierrez’s son, Matthew, was born, he was monitored in the NICU where he was tested every 48 hours for the Coronavirus. As person-to-person contact is limited in hospitals during this time where cases are on the rise, Matthew’s father, Rafael Gutierrez, was finally able to meet his fourth son over a video call.

While Matthew after long and careful hours of being monitored became virus-free, Crystal eventually needed to be intubated as her condition was worsening. Before the procedure, she was able to chat with her husband over a quick video call.

While Crystal was recovering, Rafael has been taking care of their four children and Tuesday afternoon, doctors at HCA Healthcare in Webster allowed for her to be discharged. Although she arrived home in a wheelchair whilst wearing oxygen tanks, one thing is for sure: there is no gift greater than health & family.

While Crystal is home now, she has a long road to travel before she is fully recovered. At one point during her treatment, she had undergone a tracheotomy and is re-learning how to walk.

In hopes of helping the Gutierrez family with monthly costs, a family friend has set up a GoFundMe. Here you can read more in-depth about the family, her road to recovery, and view photos from her hospital release.

We wish you and your family the best, Crystal!

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