COVID Recovery: Gary's Story

Gary Harner was especially concerned about contracting COVID-19. The Monee, Illinois, resident has muscular dystrophy, which has weakened his diaphragm and causes his heart to operate at 25 percent less efficiency.

Unfortunately, his worst fears were realized when he was diagnosed with COVID-19 in early December 2020. He was subsequently hospitalized with double viral pneumonia.

According to Gary, he was fortunate to be admitted to Franciscan Health Olympia Fields where he credits the staff with his recovery.

“I cannot say enough about the nurses, the staff and the home health people,” Gary said. “They went above and beyond the call of duty. The nurses fought for me and the nurses’ aides were kind and compassionate.”

He noted that Franciscan Health plays the “Hallelujah Chorus” when each COVID-19 patient is released and was eager to hear it played for himself.

He believes he was fortunate to contract COVID-19 when he did, instead of earlier in the pandemic, because health care professionals have learned so much more about the virus and how to best treat it.

“The nurses did everything they could so I could go home and see my daughter on her visit home for Christmas. They were great,” Gary said.

Between COVID-19, muscular dystrophy and his hospital stay, Gary lost his ability to walk.

“I was so weak,” he said. “The home therapy team was fantastic,” Gary said. “If it were not for them, I would not have been able to stand.”

Progress was slow but steady. Gary started by gaining the ability to stand up with the aid of his walker, progressing to taking a few steps, and then walking across a room with his walker.

“I faithfully followed the exercises they gave me. I owe so much to my home health team,” Gary said.

He explained that his physical therapists also taught him how to breathe again: “smell the roses, blow out the candle.”

Gary admits that he physically recovered from his experience more than he thought he would, which he attributes to Franciscan Health’s nurses, staff and home health team.

“All of the people who took care of me did everything they could,” Gary said. “I will be forever grateful to Franciscan.”