Recovered COVID-19 Patient visits Princeton to thank his Caregivers

Recently, former patient Paul Rick Brown, 73, contacted pastoral care to facilitate a visit to express appreciation and encouragement to the MICU staff. Mr. Brown had been a COVID patient who was transferred to the Princeton Baptist MICU from Walker Baptist in late May of 2020 and remained there until he was discharged in mid-July.

Here is a before and after photo of Mr. Brown, which is still hanging in the MICU break room. Many families do window visits with family members battling COVID-19. It was a powerful sight for staff to see Mr. Brown on the other side of the window this time in much better health. Chaplain Fred Senko greeted Mr. Brown outdoors near MICU, where he shared his story and sent in a gift to the MICU staff with the chaplain. From outside the window of an unoccupied MICU room, he waved to the nurses and Dr. Crain in MICU. Chaplain Senko was struck by how well Dr. Michael Crain, pulmonologist with Princeton Baptist, and many others remembered Mr. Brown and the care they had provided to him.

The unit was abuzz with excitement to see Mr. Brown and his great progress in his recovery. Chaplain Senko later telephoned Mr. Brown to visit with him further and let them know how much he blessed the MICU by visiting.

Brown also shared the following:
“At one time, they told me I was the sickest man at Princeton. Back then, I couldn’t stand or do anything for myself, but now I am progressing well. I am so appreciative to my care team. I know God has truly blessed me to be a miracle man to still be alive today.”

Brown is the proud uncle of Justin Elliott, a nurse at Princeton’s ER. He is continuing rehab appointments throughout the week at a local Jasper facility.

Article contains information supplied by Chaplain Fred Senko