Posted on April 29, 2020
Portage woman with COVID-19 is first graduate of Mary Free Bed’s ReCOVery™ Unit
Nancy Blodgett came to Mary Free Bed for rehabilitation after spending nine days on a ventilator, fighting for her life. A week later and much stronger, she became the first graduate of the hospital’s ReCOVery™ Unit for COVID-19 survivors.
“It will be a new normal, but I’m OK with that,” the 55-year-old Portage resident said. “I’m grateful to be alive.”
About a week after she started feeling flu-like symptoms, Nancy began to feel much worse and drove herself to the emergency room at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Her condition steadily deteriorated, and she was placed on a ventilator to help her breathe. Three weeks later, on April 17, she came to Mary Free Bed.
Nancy, who lives independently, knew she needed rehabilitation to regain strength before she could safely return home. She participated in physical, occupational and speech therapy.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the help I received at Mary Free Bed,” Nancy said. “Between Bronson Hospital, Mary Free Bed and the power of prayer, it’s by the grace of God I am still here today.”
Learn more about Nancy’s journey in this video:
