LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — During Gov. Andy Beshear's Wednesday press conference, Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack highlighted a veteran in Kentucky who just won his fight with COVID-19.
Thomas Cartwright, a 74-year-old veteran, spent 63 days in Lexington VA Hospital due to COVID-19. Cartwright spent part of his time in the hospital on a ventilator.
"The strength that got him (Cartwright) through this has been apparent throughout his entire life," Stack said. "Thomas served and was based in Fort Lewis in Washington and volunteered for two tours in Vietnam. He has been honored with numerous decorations."
Cartwright wasn't the only one in his family fighting against COVID-19. His daughter, who works as a frontline health worker at UK Hospital, battled the virus from a different angle. Cartwright's daughter works in a COVID-19 unit treating patients and continued to do so while her father battled the virus.
"His daughter is now working to get her respiratory tech degree after seeing this need and her desire to help Kentuckians," Stack noted. "Thank you for your strength Thomas and for passing it along. We are thankful for you, your service and the service of your daughter."
