This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/29/lost-on-the-frontline-coronavirus-us-healthcare-workers

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
A public servant from Queens, a Navajo home health aide: US healthcare workers who died from Covid-19 A public servant from Queens, a Navajo home health aide: US healthcare workers who died from Covid-19
(about 4 hours 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:
Rashida Ahmed, 46Home health aide was active in her local communityRashida Ahmed, 46Home health aide was active in her local community
Occupation: Home health aidePlace of work: CarePro of NY in Queens, New YorkDate of death: 30 AprilOccupation: Home health aidePlace of work: CarePro of NY in Queens, New YorkDate of death: 30 April
There’s not a single photo of Rashida Ahmed where she doesn’t have “a very, very big smile,” said Naorin Ahmed, her daughter.There’s not a single photo of Rashida Ahmed where she doesn’t have “a very, very big smile,” said Naorin Ahmed, her daughter.
Rashida immigrated to the US from her native Bangladesh in 2015 to be closer to her daughter, who had moved to the US for an arranged marriage a few years earlier. In Queens, she became active in the local Bengali community, joining a local rights group that advocates for south Asian and Indo-Caribbean workers.Rashida immigrated to the US from her native Bangladesh in 2015 to be closer to her daughter, who had moved to the US for an arranged marriage a few years earlier. In Queens, she became active in the local Bengali community, joining a local rights group that advocates for south Asian and Indo-Caribbean workers.
“She was a very people’s person,” Naorin said. “If you met her, you would remember her.”“She was a very people’s person,” Naorin said. “If you met her, you would remember her.”
Rashida loved to sing and cook – Naorin especially relished her biryani. Community activist Fakrul Islam Delwar called Rashida a “very helping, kind-hearted person” who brought food to her neighbors in Jackson Heights.Rashida loved to sing and cook – Naorin especially relished her biryani. Community activist Fakrul Islam Delwar called Rashida a “very helping, kind-hearted person” who brought food to her neighbors in Jackson Heights.
Rashida cared for an older woman on Long Island who died on 30 March of Covid-19 complications. It’s unclear whether Rashida became infected from her patient or during her train commute. She developed debilitating fatigue and fever, checking into a hospital on 31 March.Rashida cared for an older woman on Long Island who died on 30 March of Covid-19 complications. It’s unclear whether Rashida became infected from her patient or during her train commute. She developed debilitating fatigue and fever, checking into a hospital on 31 March.
Representatives from CarePro confirmed that Rashida worked in an area with many Covid-19 patients and said that all aides are provided the necessary personal protective equipment.Representatives from CarePro confirmed that Rashida worked in an area with many Covid-19 patients and said that all aides are provided the necessary personal protective equipment.
Naorin said her mother did not have adequate PPE but, despite the risks, insisted on caring for her patient.Naorin said her mother did not have adequate PPE but, despite the risks, insisted on caring for her patient.
– Elizabeth Lawrence– Elizabeth Lawrence
Clea Alverio-Hume, 57Working two jobs, she was still the ‘best listener ever’Clea Alverio-Hume, 57Working two jobs, she was still the ‘best listener ever’
Occupations: Medical records director and lead admissions coordinating assistantPlaces of work: Queen Anne Healthcare and Swedish Medical Center-First Hill in SeattleDate of death: 12 JuneOccupations: Medical records director and lead admissions coordinating assistantPlaces of work: Queen Anne Healthcare and Swedish Medical Center-First Hill in SeattleDate of death: 12 June
Flowers of all kinds – particularly purple ones – were Clea Alverio-Hume’s passion.Flowers of all kinds – particularly purple ones – were Clea Alverio-Hume’s passion.
She helped her mother, Felicidad, 82, tend them. Husband Dave often left bouquets at two healthcare facilities where she worked a combined 72 hours weekly. She did so, he said, to spare her daughter, Minerva, from working through college.She helped her mother, Felicidad, 82, tend them. Husband Dave often left bouquets at two healthcare facilities where she worked a combined 72 hours weekly. She did so, he said, to spare her daughter, Minerva, from working through college.
On Memorial Day, Clea and Dave started to build a shed as a prelude to her own flower garden. Nursing a cough, Clea was tested for Covid-19 that day. Thirty-six hours later, Dave summoned paramedics, who also gave her a test. She tested positive.On Memorial Day, Clea and Dave started to build a shed as a prelude to her own flower garden. Nursing a cough, Clea was tested for Covid-19 that day. Thirty-six hours later, Dave summoned paramedics, who also gave her a test. She tested positive.
Erin Doss, administrator of Queen Anne, where Clea began working soon after emigrating from the Philippines in 1994, said they don’t know whether she was exposed there. On its website, the facility reports two staff deaths, including Clea’s, and 19 patient deaths. Erin Doss, administrator of Queen Anne, where Clea began working soon after emigrating from the Philippines in 1994, said they didn’t know whether she was exposed there. On its website, the facility reports two staff deaths, including Clea’s, and 19 patient deaths.
Clea’s Queen Anne colleagues gave Dave a framed photo of her and Minerva with dozens of notes on the matting.Clea’s Queen Anne colleagues gave Dave a framed photo of her and Minerva with dozens of notes on the matting.
“They all say the same thing — how much she meant to them … the best listener ever,” he said. “Clea has touched hundreds in that manner.” “They all say the same thing – how much she meant to them … the best listener ever,” he said. “Clea has touched hundreds in that manner.”
– Cynthia Mitchell, Central Washington University– Cynthia Mitchell, Central Washington University
Lilly Tsosie, 65Hospital’s ‘grandma’ was recalled from vacation, only to get sickLilly Tsosie, 65Hospital’s ‘grandma’ was recalled from vacation, only to get sick
Occupation: PhlebotomistPlace of work: San Juan regional medical center in Farmington, New MexicoDate of death: 17 JuneOccupation: PhlebotomistPlace of work: San Juan regional medical center in Farmington, New MexicoDate of death: 17 June
Lilly Tsosie was known as the “hospital vampire” for her skill at drawing blood. “She was known by all of the nurses as the one who got the job done the first time,” said Lacey Williams, her eldest daughter.Lilly Tsosie was known as the “hospital vampire” for her skill at drawing blood. “She was known by all of the nurses as the one who got the job done the first time,” said Lacey Williams, her eldest daughter.
People also called her Grandma. Tsosie, who was Navajo, often spoke the language with her sisters. Her daughter said she always wore a protective gown to guard against Covid-19. She took two showers after each shift and changed clothes to protect her seven grandchildren, who often visited her home.People also called her Grandma. Tsosie, who was Navajo, often spoke the language with her sisters. Her daughter said she always wore a protective gown to guard against Covid-19. She took two showers after each shift and changed clothes to protect her seven grandchildren, who often visited her home.
In early May, she started two weeks’ vacation at home. But on 11 May, she was called in and took blood on the designated Covid floor, Williams said, adding: “We begged her not to go back in.” Within days, she felt sick.In early May, she started two weeks’ vacation at home. But on 11 May, she was called in and took blood on the designated Covid floor, Williams said, adding: “We begged her not to go back in.” Within days, she felt sick.
Tsosie was hospitalized on 22 May and eventually airlifted to a medical center in Albuquerque.Tsosie was hospitalized on 22 May and eventually airlifted to a medical center in Albuquerque.
After Tsosie died in Albequerque, the family rode in a 50-vehicle motorcade to return her remains to Farmington. Dozens of Tsosie’s former colleagues waved as the cars passed by.After Tsosie died in Albequerque, the family rode in a 50-vehicle motorcade to return her remains to Farmington. Dozens of Tsosie’s former colleagues waved as the cars passed by.
“I couldn’t stop crying,” Williams said.“I couldn’t stop crying,” Williams said.
A spokesperson for Tsosie’s employer said she would be “deeply missed,” and that the hospital had maintained “adequate levels of personal protective equipment”. A spokesperson for Tsosie’s employer said she would be “deeply missed”, and that the hospital had maintained “adequate levels of personal protective equipment”.
– Eriech Tapia, University of Oklahoma– Eriech Tapia, University of Oklahoma
Roberta Gruber, 66Home health aide ‘embodied family in every sense’Roberta Gruber, 66Home health aide ‘embodied family in every sense’
Occupation: Home health aidePlace of work: Circle of Life Soaring Eagles Home Care Services in Gallup, New MexicoDate of death: 29 MayOccupation: Home health aidePlace of work: Circle of Life Soaring Eagles Home Care Services in Gallup, New MexicoDate of death: 29 May
Months before Halloween, Roberta Gruber would start sewing.Months before Halloween, Roberta Gruber would start sewing.
She crafted costumes for her children “and everyone else’s children,” said Jodie Antonio, her daughter. Then, dressed as Betty Boop, she transformed her two-story home into the community’s haunted house, going “all out to make it spooky spectacular,” said Evander Antonio, her grandson. She crafted costumes for her children “and everyone else’s children”, said Jodie Antonio, her daughter. Then, dressed as Betty Boop, she transformed her two-story home into the community’s haunted house, going “all out to make it spooky spectacular”, said Evander Antonio, her grandson.
Beyond Halloween, she had an open-door policy, allowing struggling neighbors to stay indefinitely. “She’d leap to help someone in need,” Jodie said.Beyond Halloween, she had an open-door policy, allowing struggling neighbors to stay indefinitely. “She’d leap to help someone in need,” Jodie said.
Gruber would drive Evander to chop firewood or run errands for elderly neighbors he called shicheii (grandpa) or shimasani (grandma). “K’é means family” in Navajo, said Evander. “She embodied that in every sense.”Gruber would drive Evander to chop firewood or run errands for elderly neighbors he called shicheii (grandpa) or shimasani (grandma). “K’é means family” in Navajo, said Evander. “She embodied that in every sense.”
As the coronavirus spread, Gruber continued to care for patients and sewed masks for herself and others.As the coronavirus spread, Gruber continued to care for patients and sewed masks for herself and others.
Her employer said it had distributed thousands of gloves and masks since mid-March, but said it is impossible to rule out the possibility that she contracted the virus, despite precautions. Her employer said it had distributed thousands of gloves and masks since mid-March, but said it was impossible to rule out the possibility that she contracted the virus, despite precautions.
Gruber tested positive for Covid-19 on 26 April. The next morning, she developed excruciating leg pain. After being sent home by one hospital, she was admitted to another and later evacuated to Albuquerque.Gruber tested positive for Covid-19 on 26 April. The next morning, she developed excruciating leg pain. After being sent home by one hospital, she was admitted to another and later evacuated to Albuquerque.
Four failed surgeries and 36 hours later, Gruber was in a coma. The family never spoke with her again.Four failed surgeries and 36 hours later, Gruber was in a coma. The family never spoke with her again.
– Eli Cahan– Eli Cahan
Priscilla Carrow, 65 A public servant who was the heart of her communityPriscilla Carrow, 65 A public servant who was the heart of her community
Occupation: Coordinating managerPlace of work: Elmhurst hospital in Queens, New YorkDate of death: 30 MarchOccupation: Coordinating managerPlace of work: Elmhurst hospital in Queens, New YorkDate of death: 30 March
On 10 March, when Priscilla Carrow attended her community board’s last in-person meeting, she brought masks, hand sanitizer and information on Covid-19 for every committee member.On 10 March, when Priscilla Carrow attended her community board’s last in-person meeting, she brought masks, hand sanitizer and information on Covid-19 for every committee member.
“She was someone who you could go to if you had a problem in the community, and you needed answers,” said Ashley Reed, who served on the board with Carrow. “We always counted on her to be on the frontlines of what was going on.”“She was someone who you could go to if you had a problem in the community, and you needed answers,” said Ashley Reed, who served on the board with Carrow. “We always counted on her to be on the frontlines of what was going on.”
Carrow, who was born in Harlem and moved to Queens as a child, was passionate about giving back. In addition to serving on Queens community board 4, she was a shop steward in the local chapter of the Communications Workers of America union.Carrow, who was born in Harlem and moved to Queens as a child, was passionate about giving back. In addition to serving on Queens community board 4, she was a shop steward in the local chapter of the Communications Workers of America union.
“She loved helping people. She knew she was blessed in her life so she wanted to carry that blessing on to others,” said Gloria Middleton, president of CWA local 1180. Her sense of civic duty, paired with a bubbly personality and ability to command a room, made her a natural leader.“She loved helping people. She knew she was blessed in her life so she wanted to carry that blessing on to others,” said Gloria Middleton, president of CWA local 1180. Her sense of civic duty, paired with a bubbly personality and ability to command a room, made her a natural leader.
Elmhurst hospital was inundated with Covid-19 cases. Carrow, a year from retirement, managed the inventory and distribution of PPE to healthcare workers amid severe shortages. But friends say she was exposed to the virus at work and hospitalized in March.Elmhurst hospital was inundated with Covid-19 cases. Carrow, a year from retirement, managed the inventory and distribution of PPE to healthcare workers amid severe shortages. But friends say she was exposed to the virus at work and hospitalized in March.
Her death was met with an outpouring of grief on social media from neighbors, friends, and her congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.Her death was met with an outpouring of grief on social media from neighbors, friends, and her congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
– Isoke Samuel, City University of New York– Isoke Samuel, City University of New York
Sue Williams-Ward, 68‘When you lose people like Sue, you lose the community’s glue’Sue Williams-Ward, 68‘When you lose people like Sue, you lose the community’s glue’
Occupation: Home health aidePlace of work: Together We Can Services in IndianapolisDate of death: 2 MayOccupation: Home health aidePlace of work: Together We Can Services in IndianapolisDate of death: 2 May
Three decades ago, Sue Williams-Ward and her husband, Royal Davis, bought a bar.Three decades ago, Sue Williams-Ward and her husband, Royal Davis, bought a bar.
The bar – an azure duplex in Indianapolis’s working-class Haughville neighborhood – made decent money, but after “seeing the love of God,” Davis said, they turned it into a community center. The center is now a bodega and hub for social activism. The bar – an azure duplex in Indianapolis’s working-class Haughville neighborhood – made decent money, but after “seeing the love of God”, Davis said, they turned it into a community center. The center is now a bodega and hub for social activism.
“We took it as our responsibility to bring light to the too-often-forgotten people in this community,” Davis said.“We took it as our responsibility to bring light to the too-often-forgotten people in this community,” Davis said.
A home health aide, Williams-Ward bathed, dressed, and fed her clients. She brought her grandchildren to visit them and often delivered Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas hams. A home health aide, Williams-Ward bathed, dressed and fed her clients. She brought her grandchildren to visit them and often delivered Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas hams.
In early March, Williams-Ward took a new job, earning $13 an hour (a $1 raise). She was hired after other workers resigned due to concerns over Covid-19 safety concerns.In early March, Williams-Ward took a new job, earning $13 an hour (a $1 raise). She was hired after other workers resigned due to concerns over Covid-19 safety concerns.
Within weeks, she started coughing. She kept going to work, Davis said, without protective equipment. Her employer did not respond to requests for comment.Within weeks, she started coughing. She kept going to work, Davis said, without protective equipment. Her employer did not respond to requests for comment.
She was hospitalized and intubated 23 March and died six weeks later. She was hospitalized and intubated on 23 March and died six weeks later.
“When you lose people like Sue,” Davis said, “you lose the community’s glue.”“When you lose people like Sue,” Davis said, “you lose the community’s glue.”
– Eli Cahan – EC
Lisa Burhannan, 50Social worker was a ‘voice for the city’Lisa Burhannan, 50Social worker was a ‘voice for the city’
Occupation: Social workerPlace of work: Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice in Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaDate of death: 11 JuneOccupation: Social workerPlace of work: Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice in Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaDate of death: 11 June
In 2015, Lisa Burhannan rode to Nashville with “her babies,” a gospel dance troupe, for a TV performance. Burhannan coached the young women through their Marvin Gaye number that weekend and at many local shows afterward. In 2015, Lisa Burhannan rode to Nashville with “her babies”, a gospel dance troupe, for a TV performance. Burhannan coached the young women through their Marvin Gaye number that weekend and at many local shows afterward.
“Beyond the shows, she brought the ladies together,” said Portia Bolen-Geter, her aunt. “She taught them, by example, how to live.”“Beyond the shows, she brought the ladies together,” said Portia Bolen-Geter, her aunt. “She taught them, by example, how to live.”
Described by her mother, Paula Jackson, as an “energizer bunny,” Burhannan was committed to her community. She provided trauma rehabilitation to victims of crime, and as a volunteer chaplain at Pinnacle Medical Center, Burhannan counseled grieving families. Described by her mother, Paula Jackson, as an “Energizer bunny”, Burhannan was committed to her community. She provided trauma rehabilitation to victims of crime, and as a volunteer chaplain at Pinnacle medical center, Burhannan counseled grieving families.
“She had a servant’s heart,” said Jackson, “a true voice for the city.”“She had a servant’s heart,” said Jackson, “a true voice for the city.”
When Pennsylvania entered lockdown in late March, Burhannan did what she could – including delivering masks to clients. The family said she was finding her own protective equipment; CSSJ did not respond to requests for comment.When Pennsylvania entered lockdown in late March, Burhannan did what she could – including delivering masks to clients. The family said she was finding her own protective equipment; CSSJ did not respond to requests for comment.
On 27 May, as a “horrible” cough worsened, Burhannan asked Jackson to write down her final wishes. She wanted CeCe Winans’ Alabaster Box to be sung at her funeral. The next day, she was hospitalized.On 27 May, as a “horrible” cough worsened, Burhannan asked Jackson to write down her final wishes. She wanted CeCe Winans’ Alabaster Box to be sung at her funeral. The next day, she was hospitalized.
Harrisburg’s mayor spoke at Burhannan’s funeral, her gospel troupe danced, and the mourners sang her song.Harrisburg’s mayor spoke at Burhannan’s funeral, her gospel troupe danced, and the mourners sang her song.
– Eli Cahan – EC
Paul Charon, 62‘He did all the unseen things to help out’Paul Charon, 62‘He did all the unseen things to help out’
Occupation: Traveling radiology technologistPlace of work: Premier healthcare staffing in Oswego, New YorkDate of death: 5 JuneOccupation: Traveling radiology technologistPlace of work: Premier healthcare staffing in Oswego, New YorkDate of death: 5 June
A devoted member of the Adirondack 46ers mountain club, Paul Charon would, without hesitation, clear branches that blocked a trail. When hikers left food wrappers in the bramble, he picked them up. When overflowing creeks obstructed a path, he bridged them.A devoted member of the Adirondack 46ers mountain club, Paul Charon would, without hesitation, clear branches that blocked a trail. When hikers left food wrappers in the bramble, he picked them up. When overflowing creeks obstructed a path, he bridged them.
The Saratoga Springs, New York, native “loved being one with nature,” said his son, Kyle Charon. “He did all the unseen things to help out” so others could enjoy it, too. The Saratoga Springs, New York, native “loved being one with nature”, said his son, Kyle Charon. “He did all the unseen things to help out” so others could enjoy it, too.
Charon also spent over three decades with the Red Cross, where he volunteered during hurricanes, floods and wildfires across the country, Kyle said.Charon also spent over three decades with the Red Cross, where he volunteered during hurricanes, floods and wildfires across the country, Kyle said.
During quarantine, Charon dropped by his adult children’s homes unannounced with gifts like a Dutch oven and a pullup bar — he wanted to create a sense of normalcy for them. During quarantine, Charon dropped by his adult children’s homes unannounced with gifts like a Dutch oven and a pull-up bar – he wanted to create a sense of normalcy for them.
As Covid-19 caseloads mounted, he continued caring for patients. From March to May, he performed X-rays at dozens of facilities near Rochester, Utica and Poughkeepsie. Friends on staff welcomed him with coffee, snacks and masks (he lacked sufficient protective equipment, Kyle said). Premier Healthcare Staffing did not respond to requests for comment.As Covid-19 caseloads mounted, he continued caring for patients. From March to May, he performed X-rays at dozens of facilities near Rochester, Utica and Poughkeepsie. Friends on staff welcomed him with coffee, snacks and masks (he lacked sufficient protective equipment, Kyle said). Premier Healthcare Staffing did not respond to requests for comment.
On 9 May, feeling “a little down,” Charon requested a pot of Kyle’s signature vegetable soup. But it didn’t help, and on 14 May, he was hospitalized. A few weeks later, after his father suffered several strokes and multiple-organ failure, Kyle signed a do-not-resuscitate order. On 9 May, feeling “a little down”, Charon requested a pot of Kyle’s signature vegetable soup. But it didn’t help, and on 14 May, he was hospitalized. A few weeks later, after his father suffered several strokes and multiple-organ failure, Kyle signed a do-not-resuscitate order.
— Eli Cahan – EC
Torrin Howard, 26Youth counselor was also a fixture in his local gospel music sceneTorrin Howard, 26Youth counselor was also a fixture in his local gospel music scene
Occupation: Mental health counselorPlace of work: Boys & Girls Village Inc in Milford, ConnecticutDate of death: 7 AprilOccupation: Mental health counselorPlace of work: Boys & Girls Village Inc in Milford, ConnecticutDate of death: 7 April
Torrin Howard was a fixture in his hometown’s gospel music scene, having played for greats like Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp and Dorinda Clark-Cole. “Anyone who heard him connected with him,” said his aunt, Vicky Howard Stewart. Torrin Howard was a fixture in his home town’s gospel music scene, having played for greats like Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp and Dorinda Clark-Cole. “Anyone who heard him connected with him,” said his aunt, Vicky Howard Stewart.
As children, Torrin and his siblings formed a family band, and they traveled to churches, community centers and gyms across the country. They’d load the bus on Friday and return home by Sunday night – the children, half-asleep, already swaddled in safari pajamas.As children, Torrin and his siblings formed a family band, and they traveled to churches, community centers and gyms across the country. They’d load the bus on Friday and return home by Sunday night – the children, half-asleep, already swaddled in safari pajamas.
Torrin’s teachers adored him, and his football teammates looked up to him. As an adult, he connected with young people as a behavioral health and rehabilitation coach.Torrin’s teachers adored him, and his football teammates looked up to him. As an adult, he connected with young people as a behavioral health and rehabilitation coach.
In late March, Torrin developed persistent flu-like symptoms. At the time, “PPE was in extremely limited supply” and “used only for individuals who actively had symptoms,” per CDC guidance, his employer said. In late March, Torrin developed persistent flu-like symptoms. At the time, “PPE was in extremely limited supply” and “used only for individuals who actively had symptoms”, per CDC guidance, his employer said.
On 28 March, Torrin tested positive for the virus. A week later, he was hospitalized and intubated.On 28 March, Torrin tested positive for the virus. A week later, he was hospitalized and intubated.
“Next thing we knew, he was gone,” said Howard Stewart.“Next thing we knew, he was gone,” said Howard Stewart.
– Eli Cahan – EC