FACES OF
THE CASES
Each new case of COVID-19 is a person, a person with friends, family, hopes and dreams. This project will share the stories of people right here in Muskegon County, so people don't forget there's a face behind every new COVID-19 case.
OUR
FACES.
Emily Pfromm
A family trip to Wisconsin left a young Norton Shores mother with heart damage and questions about her future after she and her husband both contracted COVID-19. Emily Pfromm talks about her heart condition, the struggles she has keeping up with her 6-year-old son, and her unknown future in this most-recent video from the Mask Up Muskegon "Faces of the Cases" story series. She hopes sharing her story will encourage others to act safely during the pandemic.
COVID-19 leaves West Michigan mother with heart damage and questions about her future
Vernon Fox and Family
Steve Fox still doesn't know how both of his parents contracted COVID-19. But the disease took its toll, and life will never be the same for Steve and his family thanks to this pandemic. Steve hopes sharing his story can help make people think twice about the safety precautions they are taking to stop COVID-19 from spreading in our community. If his family's story can make even one person follow the guidelines, it may prevent another family from having to go through what Steve's family did.
Jill Bonthuis
Jill Bonthuis has dedicated her life to helping some of the most vulnerable residents of Muskegon County. However, she didn't know it would be this dedication that would ultimately lead her to contract COVID-19. Jill is now a COVID-19 "long-hauler" as her symptoms from the disease. She shares how you don't always simply "recover" from COVID-19 and how its effects can linger long after you test positive for the virus.
Dr. Claudia Jarrin Tejada
It's no secret that hospitals and their staff are reeling from COVID-19. From serving a crushing number of infected individuals to worrying about being infected themselves, are frontline medical workers need our support. Dr. Claudia Jarrin Tejada, the infection prevention director for Mercy Health Muskegon, discusses the surge in COVID-19 cases and what the public can do to stay safe and protect our medical workers who are putting themselves in harm's way every day.
Mercy Health & MAISD
The MAISD is pleased to have a close working relationship with Mercy Health including the hospital's chief medical officer and an infectious disease director. Dr. Grill and Dr. Jarrin have important information on how COVID-19 might spread during the holidays. They also have information to share on current health conditions, hospital capacity, and how we can stay safe. The MAISD produced this video for our schools and the greater community.
MAISD & Mercy Health Share COVID-19 Safety Tips
Want to share your COVID story?
We are still looking for community stories to share. Have you or your family been affected by COVID-19 and you want to share your story? Fill out the form below and we'll contact you. Even if your story results in just one person making safer choices, that could help stop the virus from spreading to dozens of people and maybe even save a life.