COVID-19: Recovery stories of elderly from around the globe raises ray of hope

April 17: Planet earth is indeed passing through a very critical phase. The outbreak of coronavirus has captivated the entire world. Every morning we wake up to listen to the new cases of COVID-19. The news of deaths due to the deadly virus is what we get to listen and read in news. As of April 17 (1 PM), the total number of confirmed cases in the global context was 21,59,450, out of which 1,45,568 were fatal cases. In India, the number rose to 13,626 with 450 deaths. However, the bright side of the story is that globally 5,49,592 people have recovered and in India, 1,793 positive patients have recovered.

On an analysis of the incidents occuring in different parts of the world, it is indeed inspiring to note that many elderly persons have emerged victorious in the battle against coronavirus and have recovered fully. These stories would definitely bring in smile in the faces of many and thereby provide a fresh impetus in this vicious battle.

• A 107 year old Dutch lady, Cornelia Ras indeed shocked the world by recovering from coronavirus. This is reportedly the oldest person in the world to get cured from the clutches of the deadly virus. She is learnt to get down on her knees every night to thank the Lord.
• Ada Zanusso, a 104-year old person’s story is another such inspiring incident as the person was infected both by the Spanish Flu and COVID-19. She, however, got cured of both these diseases. Her recovery is indeed a sign of good hope.
• An Italian man, aged 101 years was born during the deadly Spanish Flu of 1918. He lived through the two World Wars and recovered from coronavirus. He was discharged from the hospital.
• A 100 year old man from Wuhan in China celebrated his centenary when he was diagnosed with COVID-19. He recovered after he was being treated with blood plasma.

• A 95-year old veteran of World War II, William Kelly defeated the deadly virus despite underlying medical conditions including kidney ailment, a congenial heart condition and high blood pressure. After getting cured, he said that listening to his doctor’s orders to stay positive helped him recover.
• In India, a couple in Kerala also successfully defeated the virus. Thomas and his wife Mariyamma, aged 93 and 88 were infected with coronavirus. Their recovery is indeed a ray of hope for the millions.
• Another 79 years old man in Italy tested positive. He was given the experimental drug remdesivir. The drug used for treating Ebola evoked response and he got cured. Reportedly, remdesivir is at present tested for coronavirus clinical trials.

There are many other such cases where the elderly population has successfully come out of the clutches of the deadly coronavirus. Though some experts described these instances as “rarest of rare” cases, yet it remains a fact that when there is darkness everywhere, even a beacon of light seems to be enough to make us tread on the future steps. Let’s keep up this positive attitude. Together we can and together we shall fight the battle against COVID-19.