LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Zoila Laserna has been discharged from Baptist Health Lexington after spending several days in the hospital to be treated for COVID-19.
Laserna left her home in Syosset, New York, on March 11 to visit her brother in Lexington. Diego, her husband of 23 years, remained at their home in New York. It was the last time they would be together in the same room until Tuesday.
The mother of two was admitted on March 22 and was on a ventilator in the ICU the next day. Laserna was one of the first two patients to receive convalescent plasma therapy, a treatment that uses plasma from a recovered COVID-19 patient that contains antibodies.
Her husband Diego was more than 700 miles away at their home in New York, due to visitor restrictions at hospitals to avoid the spread of the virus.
"The hardest part for any person in this situation is the disconnect of not being able to be with your loved one. Not being able to be there physically. I think that takes a toll on everyone," he said.
Now, after more than a month of recovery, Zoila is going home.
Diego asks people to do whatever they can to stop the spread of COVID-19.
"I say to everyone, just be responsible, wear a mask, space yourself out, don't be in a rush for everything, and keep your hands clean. Listen to what the medical experts are saying. Do what they're asking of you."
