John,
This past week, my husband was hospitalized with COVID-19. As much as I know this pandemic is affecting people all over the nation and even though we’ve taken all the precautionary steps – I didn’t think this crisis would hit so close to home.
Paul is a retired police detective and was a 9/11 first responder. He is the director of security and operations for a hotel in New York, and so while he usually comes to Longport every weekend, I haven’t been able to see him at all since this outbreak started. Of course I worried – but I also know Paul is the kind of person who follows all the guidelines, wears gloves and masks everywhere, and is just a really risk-adverse person.
Now that he’s sick, all we can do is talk on the phone a bit. Some days are better than others, but I know Paul is receiving fantastic care from some of the bravest heroes we have. My family and I are truly grateful for their sacrifice, as well as the actions of those recovered patients who have donated their plasma in the hopes that it will make Paul and others like him well.
Two weeks ago, I wrote an op-ed about how the lack of testing is directly tied to a lack of leadership for South Jersey. Now, my family is living through the consequences of the biggest leadership failure our nation has seen in recent memory. It breaks my heart, it makes me angry, and it reinforces my determination to win this race.
For now, please keep my family and all families who are suffering in your hearts. I’ll be sure to keep you updated – but please know that I’m so thankful to have this team behind me.
Best,
-Brigid
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