Just two weeks ago, six-month-old Erin Bates was hooked up to a ventilator, surrounded by tubes, and fighting for her life against the novel coronavirus. Today, the little baby has made a full recovery and is smiling and laughing as if nothing had ever gone wrong.
A Terrifying Diagnosis
At the time of diagnosis, little Erin was already at the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, England, with a heart condition and windpipe problems. Her parents, Emma and Wayne Bates, were devastated when they learned that their daughter had contracted the deadly virus [1].
The couple shared the heartbreaking photos of their tiny girl, who was covered in tubing and machinery, in an effort to impress upon the public how important it was to stay home and practice social distancing to prevent the virus from continuing to spread.
Erin’s mother remained in the hospital with her but was concerned about catching the virus herself. If that had happened, she would have had to go to a different hospital, leaving her baby girl to fight the virus all by herself [1].
A Miraculous Recovery
Doctor’s at the children’s hospital were overjoyed to inform her parents on the weekend that their baby girl had pulled through, and had tested negative for the virus.
“Erin has beaten the virus. It hit her hard with a few ups and downs but we wanted people to know coronavirus doesn’t have to be a death sentence for people with pre-existing conditions” said Erin’s father [2].
Erin will remain in the hospital as she continues to be monitored for other medical issues, however, her parents are relieved that she is doing better, stating that she is “all smiles and is talking to herself”.
Coronavirus rules do not allow more than one parent to be in the hospital with Erin, so Mr. Bates has not yet been able to see his baby girl, however, he was finally given the opportunity to see his wife.
“It’s hard but I understand the situation, particularly after what we’ve been through, as it’s to lessen the risk of infection to other patients,” he said [2].
The couple has had nothing but good things to say about the caring and support they received from the hospital staff.
“Thank you so much to each and every one of them, we couldn’t have got through it without them,” said Erin’s mom. “They are all truly amazing and we will be forever grateful.” [3]
Since Mrs. Bates has been unable to work while Erin has been in the hospital, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family pay their bills. The brave little girl still requires the use of an oxygen machine at a low concentration level, and her parents are hopeful that her condition will continue to improve so that she will be able to be home in time for her birthday in October [2].
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