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A 'force of nature' social worker and a nurse who had found his calling: US healthcare workers who died from Covid-19 A 'force of nature' social worker and a nurse who had found his calling
(7 days later)
We are documenting the lives of every US medical worker who dies helping patients during the pandemic. These are just a few of hundreds of casesWe are documenting the lives of every US medical worker who dies helping patients during the pandemic. These are just a few of hundreds of cases
Lost on the frontline is a collaboration between the Guardian and Kaiser Health News that aims to document the lives of healthcare workers in the US who die from Covid-19, and to understand why so many are falling victim to the pandemic.Lost on the frontline is a collaboration between the Guardian and Kaiser Health News that aims to document the lives of healthcare workers in the US who die from Covid-19, and to understand why so many are falling victim to the pandemic.
Each week, we’re documenting new cases of healthcare workers who have died on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. Here are their stories:Each week, we’re documenting new cases of healthcare workers who have died on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. Here are their stories:
Milagros D Abellera, 65Texas nurse was a ‘mother hen’Milagros D Abellera, 65Texas nurse was a ‘mother hen’
Occupation: Registered nursePlace of work: Baptist medical center and Kindred hospital in San Antonio, TexasDate of death: 13 May 2020Occupation: Registered nursePlace of work: Baptist medical center and Kindred hospital in San Antonio, TexasDate of death: 13 May 2020
Milagros Abellera cooked feasts for her husband, Roberto, their six children and eight grandchildren. Sometimes they’d host gatherings with nearly 100 people at their home. No one ever left hungry.Milagros Abellera cooked feasts for her husband, Roberto, their six children and eight grandchildren. Sometimes they’d host gatherings with nearly 100 people at their home. No one ever left hungry.
A devout Catholic, Milagros “would always bring people back to their faith”, her daughter, Kristine Abellera, said.A devout Catholic, Milagros “would always bring people back to their faith”, her daughter, Kristine Abellera, said.
Milagros earned her degree in her native Philippines and worked as a nurse for 46 years. She landed in Texas in the early 90s.Milagros earned her degree in her native Philippines and worked as a nurse for 46 years. She landed in Texas in the early 90s.
“She was a mother hen to our young nurses,” said Kyle Sinclair, CEO of Kindred Hospital San Antonio Central. Her daughter, Kristine Abellera, said she was an outspoken advocate for patients.“She was a mother hen to our young nurses,” said Kyle Sinclair, CEO of Kindred Hospital San Antonio Central. Her daughter, Kristine Abellera, said she was an outspoken advocate for patients.
Milagros developed a fever in March. She was tested for Covid-19 and went into home isolation. She was hospitalized and died on 13 May.Milagros developed a fever in March. She was tested for Covid-19 and went into home isolation. She was hospitalized and died on 13 May.
– Eriech Tapia, University of Oklahoma– Eriech Tapia, University of Oklahoma
Elva Graveline, 52Nursing assistant was a perfectionist who doted on patientsElva Graveline, 52Nursing assistant was a perfectionist who doted on patients
Occupation: Certified nursing assistantPlace of work: Lawrence + Memorial hospital in New London, ConnecticutDate of death: 19 May 2020Occupation: Certified nursing assistantPlace of work: Lawrence + Memorial hospital in New London, ConnecticutDate of death: 19 May 2020
Elva Graveline took small, graceful steps down the hospital corridors.Elva Graveline took small, graceful steps down the hospital corridors.
“You could see her smile coming,” said Connie Fields, her local union president.“You could see her smile coming,” said Connie Fields, her local union president.
A perfectionist at work, Elva often arrived an hour early for her 6.45am shift, according to her husband, Mike Graveline. She doted on her patients with shampoo and razors that she brought from home.A perfectionist at work, Elva often arrived an hour early for her 6.45am shift, according to her husband, Mike Graveline. She doted on her patients with shampoo and razors that she brought from home.
“She just wanted them smelling good,” Mike said.“She just wanted them smelling good,” Mike said.
Elva, who grew up in Texas, adored her two daughters and three granddaughters. The youngest, Isla, was born in April, but Elva never held her for fear of exposing her to Covid-19.Elva, who grew up in Texas, adored her two daughters and three granddaughters. The youngest, Isla, was born in April, but Elva never held her for fear of exposing her to Covid-19.
Fields said she believes Elva, who worked on a floor designated for Covid patients, got sick from reusing protective gear at work. In March, Elva and others wore the same N95 respirator masks for two weeks. Fields said by early May, employees received new N95s each day.Fields said she believes Elva, who worked on a floor designated for Covid patients, got sick from reusing protective gear at work. In March, Elva and others wore the same N95 respirator masks for two weeks. Fields said by early May, employees received new N95s each day.
Hospital spokesperson Fiona Phelan replied that “we value and respect [employees] too much to not provide the protective gear needed in this battle”.Hospital spokesperson Fiona Phelan replied that “we value and respect [employees] too much to not provide the protective gear needed in this battle”.
Elva tested positive for Covid-19 on 12 May and died a week later of cardiac arrest.Elva tested positive for Covid-19 on 12 May and died a week later of cardiac arrest.
“This should never have happened,” Mike recalled telling his wife, as he stood at her bedside just after she died. “I just wish this was me.”“This should never have happened,” Mike recalled telling his wife, as he stood at her bedside just after she died. “I just wish this was me.”
– Melissa Bailey– Melissa Bailey
Gabriel Chinwendu, 56Psychiatric nurse planned to host a barbecue once he recoveredGabriel Chinwendu, 56Psychiatric nurse planned to host a barbecue once he recovered
Occupation: Registered nursePlace of work: Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Washington DCDate of death: 24 April 2020Occupation: Registered nursePlace of work: Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Washington DCDate of death: 24 April 2020
Gabriel Chinwendu’s family and friends remember him as a gentle man who was dedicated to his work as a psychiatric nurse.Gabriel Chinwendu’s family and friends remember him as a gentle man who was dedicated to his work as a psychiatric nurse.
“Love for one another was his mission, to care. That was why what happened, happened,” said his wife, Gloria Chinwendu. The couple, who had immigrated from Nigeria years ago, had four children together. “His love for his job and others led him to lose his life.“Love for one another was his mission, to care. That was why what happened, happened,” said his wife, Gloria Chinwendu. The couple, who had immigrated from Nigeria years ago, had four children together. “His love for his job and others led him to lose his life.
Gloria said Gabriel was outfitted with personal protective equipment and always washed his hands after seeing patients he suspected of having Covid-19. But on 17 April, he left work feeling tired. Two days later, he went to the emergency room.Gloria said Gabriel was outfitted with personal protective equipment and always washed his hands after seeing patients he suspected of having Covid-19. But on 17 April, he left work feeling tired. Two days later, he went to the emergency room.
He was feeling better by the time his test came back positive, and he even promised to throw a family barbecue after he recovered. He died a few days later.He was feeling better by the time his test came back positive, and he even promised to throw a family barbecue after he recovered. He died a few days later.
– Sonya Swink, City University of New York– Sonya Swink, City University of New York
Emmanuel J Carrillo, 60‘He would come running in a heartbeat if something happened’Emmanuel J Carrillo, 60‘He would come running in a heartbeat if something happened’
Occupation: Licensed practical nursePlace of work: Hackensack Meridian Health Prospect Heights care center in Hackensack, New JerseyDate of death: 21 April 2020Occupation: Licensed practical nursePlace of work: Hackensack Meridian Health Prospect Heights care center in Hackensack, New JerseyDate of death: 21 April 2020
Emmanuel Carrillo worked hard to support his wife and three children, sometimes working three to four jobs at a time.Emmanuel Carrillo worked hard to support his wife and three children, sometimes working three to four jobs at a time.
He had been a mechanical engineer in his native Philippines and became a nurse after immigrating to the US in 1988.He had been a mechanical engineer in his native Philippines and became a nurse after immigrating to the US in 1988.
“We were very dependent on him,” his daughter, Beatrice Carrillo, said. Earlier this year, when she injured her leg in an accident, her father immediately came to her aide, crutches in tow. “He would come running in a heartbeat if something happened,” she said. She described her father as devoted to his family and “lively and silly. Always making jokes.”“We were very dependent on him,” his daughter, Beatrice Carrillo, said. Earlier this year, when she injured her leg in an accident, her father immediately came to her aide, crutches in tow. “He would come running in a heartbeat if something happened,” she said. She described her father as devoted to his family and “lively and silly. Always making jokes.”
Emmanuel Carrillo was only a few weeks into a new job when patients with symptoms of Covid-19 began showing up. Days after working a 72-hour shift, he developed a fever, sore throat and a cough. Beatrice, who is also a nurse, said that her father did not have access to adequate personal protective equipment. The care center did not respond to questions about protective gear.Emmanuel Carrillo was only a few weeks into a new job when patients with symptoms of Covid-19 began showing up. Days after working a 72-hour shift, he developed a fever, sore throat and a cough. Beatrice, who is also a nurse, said that her father did not have access to adequate personal protective equipment. The care center did not respond to questions about protective gear.
Beatrice said her father, one of 10 siblings, longed to travel the world and spend more time with his family back in the Philippines. Beatrice, who is five months pregnant, said his last wish was to be a grandfather.Beatrice said her father, one of 10 siblings, longed to travel the world and spend more time with his family back in the Philippines. Beatrice, who is five months pregnant, said his last wish was to be a grandfather.
– Elena Johnson– Elena Johnson
Sarah Roncskevitz, 32‘Force of nature’ wanted to reform social workSarah Roncskevitz, 32‘Force of nature’ wanted to reform social work
Occupation: Medical social workerPlace of work: Kaiser Permanente San Francisco medical centerDate of death: 30 May 2020Occupation: Medical social workerPlace of work: Kaiser Permanente San Francisco medical centerDate of death: 30 May 2020
Sarah Roncskevitz was larger than life – a vibrant, kind, generous and sometimes vexing bundle of superlatives. On Facebook, friends described her as “a pillar of strength”, “a force of nature” and “a warrior mom”.Sarah Roncskevitz was larger than life – a vibrant, kind, generous and sometimes vexing bundle of superlatives. On Facebook, friends described her as “a pillar of strength”, “a force of nature” and “a warrior mom”.
“She exuded so much light,” said G Allen Ratliff, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley. In class, she was always prepared, sitting in the front of the room and eager to dig into issues.“She exuded so much light,” said G Allen Ratliff, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley. In class, she was always prepared, sitting in the front of the room and eager to dig into issues.
Past struggles with addiction and domestic violence informed her work. “She had been very frustrated with social workers in her life,” he said. She was drawn to the profession, in a sense, to right those wrongs.Past struggles with addiction and domestic violence informed her work. “She had been very frustrated with social workers in her life,” he said. She was drawn to the profession, in a sense, to right those wrongs.
Kaiser San Francisco’s chaotic emergency department was exactly where she wanted to be. Yet she became increasingly concerned the hospital was unprepared for the pandemic. Her mother, Tami Leal-Roncskevitz, wrote in an email that Sarah had been scolded in March for wearing a surgical mask, accused of contributing to the mask shortage and making patients fearful.Kaiser San Francisco’s chaotic emergency department was exactly where she wanted to be. Yet she became increasingly concerned the hospital was unprepared for the pandemic. Her mother, Tami Leal-Roncskevitz, wrote in an email that Sarah had been scolded in March for wearing a surgical mask, accused of contributing to the mask shortage and making patients fearful.
In an emailed statement, a Kaiser spokesperson wrote that the hospital had followed all CDC precautions and that her complaint about mask-wearing “does not accurately reflect our policy”.In an emailed statement, a Kaiser spokesperson wrote that the hospital had followed all CDC precautions and that her complaint about mask-wearing “does not accurately reflect our policy”.
She became ill in mid-May but tested negative. On 26 May, she collapsed at home. Hospitalized, she retested positive and never regained consciousness.She became ill in mid-May but tested negative. On 26 May, she collapsed at home. Hospitalized, she retested positive and never regained consciousness.
– Maureen O’Hagan– Maureen O’Hagan
Kurt Julian, 63ICU nurse treated the first US Covid-19 casesKurt Julian, 63ICU nurse treated the first US Covid-19 cases
Occupation: Intensive care nursePlace of work: EvergreenHealth medical center in Kirkland, WashingtonDate of death: 29 May 2020Occupation: Intensive care nursePlace of work: EvergreenHealth medical center in Kirkland, WashingtonDate of death: 29 May 2020
Kurt Julian was a diligent nurse and a witty, creative soul who loved working with wood and stained glass. As the first US surge of Covid-19 emerged in late February, he spent weeks tending to its victims.Kurt Julian was a diligent nurse and a witty, creative soul who loved working with wood and stained glass. As the first US surge of Covid-19 emerged in late February, he spent weeks tending to its victims.
Then, in April, after working three nights in a row, Julian contracted the virus.Then, in April, after working three nights in a row, Julian contracted the virus.
“It was almost surreal, trying to think about this crazy new infection,” said his wife, Kathy Julian, also an ICU nurse. Her husband had ample protective gear and used it carefully, she said.“It was almost surreal, trying to think about this crazy new infection,” said his wife, Kathy Julian, also an ICU nurse. Her husband had ample protective gear and used it carefully, she said.
When he first developed symptoms, Julian’s main concern was infecting his family, including his four children, aged 12 to 17.When he first developed symptoms, Julian’s main concern was infecting his family, including his four children, aged 12 to 17.
In April, he was taken by ambulance to his own ICU and, later, placed on a ventilator. In May, doctors at a trauma center used ECMO – extracorporeal membrane oxygenation – in a last-ditch effort to save him.In April, he was taken by ambulance to his own ICU and, later, placed on a ventilator. In May, doctors at a trauma center used ECMO – extracorporeal membrane oxygenation – in a last-ditch effort to save him.
Kathy and their oldest son were present as nurses withdrew life support. “I want people to get that this is real,” Kathy said. “Real people are dying.”Kathy and their oldest son were present as nurses withdrew life support. “I want people to get that this is real,” Kathy said. “Real people are dying.”
– JoNel Aleccia, Kaiser Health News– JoNel Aleccia, Kaiser Health News
J Aleksandr Vollmann, 57ICU nurse found his calling caring for children and burns patientsJ Aleksandr Vollmann, 57ICU nurse found his calling caring for children and burns patients
Occupation: Intensive care unit nursePlace of work: Harborview medical center in SeattleDate of death: 19 May 2020Occupation: Intensive care unit nursePlace of work: Harborview medical center in SeattleDate of death: 19 May 2020
J Aleksandr Vollmann, known as Aleks to friends and family, honed his caregiving skills as an army medic and his discipline as an honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.J Aleksandr Vollmann, known as Aleks to friends and family, honed his caregiving skills as an army medic and his discipline as an honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
But he found his true calling at the bedsides of sick children and burn patients.But he found his true calling at the bedsides of sick children and burn patients.
“He would tell me he would never leave here,” said Melvin Tam, who worked with Vollmann for more than a decade. “He found a home.”“He would tell me he would never leave here,” said Melvin Tam, who worked with Vollmann for more than a decade. “He found a home.”
In April, Vollmann contracted Covid-19, possibly from a patient. He was hospitalized twice and seemed to be recovering when he collapsed while running errands, just days before what would have been his 58th birthday. He died of a probable heart attack complicated by blood clots related to Covid-19, records show.In April, Vollmann contracted Covid-19, possibly from a patient. He was hospitalized twice and seemed to be recovering when he collapsed while running errands, just days before what would have been his 58th birthday. He died of a probable heart attack complicated by blood clots related to Covid-19, records show.
“The Covid compromised him,” said his older sister, Jackie Martin. “People that recover, they don’t recover completely, and he didn’t.”“The Covid compromised him,” said his older sister, Jackie Martin. “People that recover, they don’t recover completely, and he didn’t.”
More than 100 people attended Vollmann’s outdoor memorial service, where they wore masks and made sure to remain physically distant. He was remembered as a talented chef, the devoted owner of two cats, Azi and Kaali – and an exceptional nurse. Hospital officials said it’s not clear how Vollmann was infected and that they have had adequate protective gear. They issued a statement mourning his death.More than 100 people attended Vollmann’s outdoor memorial service, where they wore masks and made sure to remain physically distant. He was remembered as a talented chef, the devoted owner of two cats, Azi and Kaali – and an exceptional nurse. Hospital officials said it’s not clear how Vollmann was infected and that they have had adequate protective gear. They issued a statement mourning his death.
“There was so much love,” Martin said. “That really was his family.”“There was so much love,” Martin said. “That really was his family.”
– JoNel Aleccia, Kaiser Health News– JoNel Aleccia, Kaiser Health News
John Paul Granger, 22Young EMT treated everyone like familyJohn Paul Granger, 22Young EMT treated everyone like family
Occupation: Emergency medical technicianPlace of work: Vital Care EMS in Greenville, South CarolinaDate of death: 26 May 2020Occupation: Emergency medical technicianPlace of work: Vital Care EMS in Greenville, South CarolinaDate of death: 26 May 2020
John Paul Granger was used to working on the front lines. Over the last two years, he had aided federal disaster relief efforts in Texas and Florida.John Paul Granger was used to working on the front lines. Over the last two years, he had aided federal disaster relief efforts in Texas and Florida.
Granger, who sometimes went by JP, started washing ambulance trucks after high school and worked his way up to driver and EMT. He enjoyed boating, taking flying lessons and throwing the ball with his rescue dog, Shadow. He aspired to one day become a professional chef.Granger, who sometimes went by JP, started washing ambulance trucks after high school and worked his way up to driver and EMT. He enjoyed boating, taking flying lessons and throwing the ball with his rescue dog, Shadow. He aspired to one day become a professional chef.
“He was one of the happiest people I’d ever known,” said Patrick Hahne, a friend and former co-worker. No matter your race, sexual orientation or religious beliefs, “he would treat you like a brother or sister”.“He was one of the happiest people I’d ever known,” said Patrick Hahne, a friend and former co-worker. No matter your race, sexual orientation or religious beliefs, “he would treat you like a brother or sister”.
Granger was the only child of Laura and Paul Granger, who said he had “a smile that would light up any room”.Granger was the only child of Laura and Paul Granger, who said he had “a smile that would light up any room”.
Hahne said he and Granger were both concerned that their employer was taking “inadequate” precautions and not providing sufficient protective equipment, even as the number of Covid-19 cases began to rise. Hahne said they only started wearing N95 masks in April, a few days before Granger fell ill. Vital Care did not respond to requests for comment.Hahne said he and Granger were both concerned that their employer was taking “inadequate” precautions and not providing sufficient protective equipment, even as the number of Covid-19 cases began to rise. Hahne said they only started wearing N95 masks in April, a few days before Granger fell ill. Vital Care did not respond to requests for comment.
One of South Carolina’s youngest Covid-19 victims, Granger died after a month in the hospital, his mother by his side.One of South Carolina’s youngest Covid-19 victims, Granger died after a month in the hospital, his mother by his side.
– Katja Ridderbusch– Katja Ridderbusch
Denny Darby, 31An early brush with cancer made him attuned to the needs of othersDenny Darby, 31An early brush with cancer made him attuned to the needs of others
Occupation: Certified nursing assistantPlace of work: Fulton Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Gloversville, New YorkDate of death: 20 May 2020Occupation: Certified nursing assistantPlace of work: Fulton Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Gloversville, New YorkDate of death: 20 May 2020
Growing up, Denny Darby was a prankster who loved to watch World Wrestling Entertainment. At 14, he was diagnosed with cancer; he recovered, but his cousin Elizabeth Duplago said this early brush with illness influenced his decision to go into nursing.Growing up, Denny Darby was a prankster who loved to watch World Wrestling Entertainment. At 14, he was diagnosed with cancer; he recovered, but his cousin Elizabeth Duplago said this early brush with illness influenced his decision to go into nursing.
As a nursing assistant at a nursing home, Darby cared for his patients at their most vulnerable: He brushed their teeth, and bathed and clothed them.As a nursing assistant at a nursing home, Darby cared for his patients at their most vulnerable: He brushed their teeth, and bathed and clothed them.
Duplago described him as sensitive, caring and selfless. “He would spend his money and buy [friends] a drink and go without a drink for himself,” she said.Duplago described him as sensitive, caring and selfless. “He would spend his money and buy [friends] a drink and go without a drink for himself,” she said.
Darby continued working even as Covid-19 tore through the nursing home where he worked – by May, about 130 residents and staff members had become infected. He became sick in early May and died on 20 May.Darby continued working even as Covid-19 tore through the nursing home where he worked – by May, about 130 residents and staff members had become infected. He became sick in early May and died on 20 May.
Darby’s family believes he contracted the virus at work, and Duplago said Darby’s colleagues told her the nursing home did not have adequate PPE at the outset of the pandemic. A spokesperson for the Centers Health Care, which owns the Fulton center, denied that the center experienced PPE shortages.Darby’s family believes he contracted the virus at work, and Duplago said Darby’s colleagues told her the nursing home did not have adequate PPE at the outset of the pandemic. A spokesperson for the Centers Health Care, which owns the Fulton center, denied that the center experienced PPE shortages.
Duplago said she’s looking into ways to help families who are facing pediatric cancer, in Darby’s name.Duplago said she’s looking into ways to help families who are facing pediatric cancer, in Darby’s name.
– Kelsie Sandoval, City University of New York– Kelsie Sandoval, City University of New York