By Antisia King

On March 30th The Michigan Society for Respiratory Care (MSRC) a nonprofit professional association that is dedicated to providing education ,advocacy and resources to promote respiratory health in communities throughout Michigan. This event was held at the beautiful Radisson Hotel in Kalamazoo.

A panelist of respiratory therapists, nurses and people who suffered from Covid -19, spoke about the crisis they endured. One of the guest speakers was FOX 2’s News Maurielle Lue, who sheared her near death experience battling covid -19 and double pneumonia, she talked about the aftermath of it all, and how she's getting through it.

Going through this critical time, Maruielle Lue talked about how Kindness can go along way. While at Providence Ascension Hospital in Novi, Maruielle said “she received the best care from the nurses and staff “and one special respiratory therapist, Jennifer Hannosh – her Guardian Angel. Maruielle said ‘’when she often felt alone’’ Jennifer would pop in and check on her, and not just check on her, but she was so kind and genuine, even much so, it gave her peace of knowing that she was in good hands. After being in the hospital for nearly a week, upon leaving, Maruielle, not only gained her strength back, but gained new a friend.

Click Here to See Video

One of the panelists who happen to be a nurse spoke about how she went from being a nurse on her unit, to becoming a covid patient in a matter of seconds. Facing her own near-death experience, this young lady went from a health active Mom/ Wife to needing a heart transplant, to know battling kidney failure. She says the struggles is real and traumatic to this day, but thankful for her life and the respiratory team for helping her gain her strength in breathing, so that she could become independent of the ventilator. She said she's grateful for the care she received.

After hearing these challenging stories, a respiratory therapist (Rena Laliverte), spoke about the importance of health care, diet and exercise and how it can go a long way and by doing these things it could help you in your final hour. She gave us a few tips on how to breathe and strengthen your lungs, with some added humor she was a breath of fresh air. She also encouraged people to seek help and talk to a therapist while dealing with these life changes for your mental health.

Thanks to the Michigan Society Respiratory Care panelist, and guest for an amazing event.