On May 30, 2020 a Texas Family planned a surprise birthday party for a 30 year old daughter in law. One family member, a construction worker, was unknowingly infected with the COVID-19 virus. He thought his slight cough might have been from dust at the construction site. Everyone did their best to stay socially distant at the party. I can say, from first hand experience that if you are in a room conversing, it is hard to stay 6 feet away from others. No one wore masks since they are often around each other and care for each other dearly. 25 people attended.
Seven people became infected at the party. They spread the virus to 10 other people through their families and other interactions. In all 18 people became infected. Among those infected are two young children, two grandparents, and the parents, who are in their 80s. Three were hospitalized, the parents, and a sister, who is battling breast cancer.
The mom and sister recovered and are back home but dad is still in the hospital fighting for his life. Not being able to have visitors is the hardest part of being hospitalized. The dad is in need of blood plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients, who have established antibodies. However there is a shortage. Firefighters who had recovered wanted to donate blood but the donations are not allowed to go to one specific patient since there is a shortage. If you have recovered from the virus please donate blood.
“My dad’s hanging on by a thread,” a son said. “They’re saying this is one of the last straws for my dad.” When the son was allowed a phone call to his father, he said, “That’s really the best medicine. You know they’re in there by themselves with no family,” He said holding back tears. “It’s heartbreaking.”