Shelby
Charles C.
How has COVID-19 impacted your personal and/or professional life?
I’m an Air Force Veteran who served active duty from 1991-1995 and currently work as a civilian for the Air Force as an instructor at Tinker AFB Oklahoma. I’m the second eldest of 12 children. My youngest brother graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville and is now a medical doctor in St. Louis.
On March 10, 2021, I went to work feeling pretty bad, but I had to teach a Customer Service Class to several supervisors. After work my wife took me to get tested for COVID-19, and I was positive. I contacted my primary care physician the next day, and he called in several prescriptions for me. The next few days my symptoms became worse. On March 16, my wife and 24-year-old daughter took me to Mercy Hospital. They checked me into the COVID-19 floor because my oxygen levels dropped into the low 80’s. On March 17, my wife received a call from the doctor who told her my heart had stopped, but he saved me. At this point was in the ICU and on a ventilator where I remained until I awoke on March 29 (total of 13 days). The determined I had COVID-19 Pneumonia and pumped 12 liters of fluid from my lungs for several days. While on the ventilator, my oxygen levels dropped below 30 and one day it dropped to 0. On those days they thought I would not make it.
The hospital gave my younger brother access to my charts and would checking on me then tell my wife what to ask the doctors. They placed my iPad by my bed so my family could call and pray with me while I was in the coma.
When I woke up, I could barely speak, could not stand or walk and the nerves in my left hand were damaged. I remained in the ICU a few more days and was then moved to a step-down floor. On Easter Sunday, they moved me to Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital a few miles from Mercy Hospital where I was blessed to not need any oxygen. Unfortunately, I still could not walk. They told me I would be at the rehab facility for three weeks or longer, but I went home on April 9 walking without the assistance of a walker. My voice is getting stronger, but I still sound hoarse due to the ventilator.
Have you received the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, what and/or who was your inspiration or reason for receiving it?
I have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine. My wife received hers the same morning I became ill. I was supposed to be with her to get mine but went to work instead. I feel blessed to be alive, and I’m telling everyone to please get vaccinated because I don’t want them going through what I went through. I’m still having pain in my left hand. If it was not for all the support from my family in Memphis and my younger brother Dr. Kelvin Pollard II, my wife and family, I would not have made it.
Although I do not currently reside there, Memphis is my second home.
Jennifer S.
How has COVID-19 impacted your personal and/or professional life?
My daughter, pictured here, has endured a year inside. She’s had outside time but very little play with friends that wasn’t virtual. She has completed a year of school online and worn a mask when she was asked to come in for in-person (although unnecessary) state testing. She made adjustments, and I’m grateful for her sacrifice.
Have you received the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, what and/or who was your inspiration or reason for receiving it?
Today she got her first dose of the vaccine. I’m so proud of her patience and grace this year. She is SO EXCITED to soon be able to play with friends. Testing and efficacy for the kids who were in the trial helped with the decision. Her big reason: playing with her friends.
She joins me in being fully vaccinated in a few weeks 😀
Katherine S.
How has COVID-19 impacted your personal and/or professional life?
We've both worked from home during the pandemic. It allowed us to actually spend time together, even though we were working harder. As counselors, we were still able to meet the needs of our clients by shifting to telehealth services. It was fulfilling that, even as our communities were dealing with the stresses of the pandemic, we could still serve others.
Have you received the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, what and/or who was your inspiration or reason for receiving it?
Yes. My husband and I both got the vaccine because I'm asthmatic. In the 14 years that we've known each other, he's never gotten a vaccine but he got this one to protect me.
Kenric D.
How has COVID-19 impacted your personal and/or professional life?
Several of my family members work on the clinical side of healthcare and have been on the frontlines of hospitals, clinics and labs during the pandemic. Their stories about full COVID-19 wards and long patient wait times encouraged me to stay away from crowds as well as wear a mask and consistently wash my hands and face. My son was also born during the pandemic so my wife and I have had to navigate raising an infant during this time. We also consistently go to church so when our church started canceling services, it was difficult to get used to watching them virtually.
Have you received the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, what and/or who was your inspiration or reason for receiving it?
I received the COVID-19 vaccine in April, and the reason I got it was that I wanted to get back to going to church and being able to hug and shake hands with those I know and love! I also have not gotten to see my grandmother in over a year so I’m looking forward to seeing her as well. I was inspired by my dad and brother who work in hospitals and got it before me. The Black community has historically not had equitable access to healthcare resources so once I did my research on the vaccine I decided to take it.
Rubie D.
How has COVID-19 impacted your personal and/or professional life?
My husband and I were both diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 12th, and it was very hard on us.
Have you received the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, what and/or who was your inspiration or reason for receiving it?
Yes, I did receive the vaccine through my employer, Parkway Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Geraldine P.
How has COVID-19 impacted your personal and/or professional life?
“My Greatest Blessings call me Mother” My greatest fear is to think of burying any one of my 12 Children. In March 2020, we received a call that my daughter tested positive for COVID-19. She had some symptoms, but I never thought it was COVID-19. She was always active, healthy and a caregiver for everyone. In May, I saw and hugged my child on Mother’s Day! But March of 2021 the ugly virus showed up again. My 2nd oldest child, my #2 Son tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted into the hospital for nearly one month. He spent 13 days on a ventilator, was sedated, in an induced coma and flat-lined. Yet again though God showed favor! “Prayers of the righteous availeth much.” A relationship with God, a strong support system and a caring medical staff…this is our testimony. Please get the vaccine! That is your sure shot!
Have you received the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, what and/or who was your inspiration or reason for receiving it?
I am 73 years old, and I was hesitant about getting the vaccine. I have, however, received both of my vaccines and plead with others to do the same. No one wants to go through what I experienced during that COVID-19 journey. We were shown favor and have a winning victory!! Survivors!
Jordyn W.
How has COVID-19 impacted your personal and/or professional life?
My spring break trip to my grandparents house turned into a 6-month gap in my normal routine!We are still adjusting to the ever-changing pandemic. My mom is an essential worker, so we never really slowed down, but our adjustments continue to teach us that the only thing constant IS change.
Have you received the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, what and/or who was your inspiration or reason for receiving it?
I recently received both doses! I’m ready for this pandemic to be over and it helps me feel much safer.