92-year-old woman in Negros Occidental recovers from COVID-19

Despite being among those most vulnerable to the disease, a 92-year-old woman in Negros Occidental has recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to Ivan Mayrina’s report on “24 Oras,” Friday, Antonina Gargoles was able to recover with the help of 28-year-old Kaye Marie Yap, a young doctor who is only in her first year of service.

In a Facebook post, Dr. Yap shared that lola Antonina caught the virus in July, but despite her age and having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the elder woman recovered a month later. 

Kaye said she recommended hospital treatment for lola Antonina, but her relatives insisted for her to heal at home. 

“Very strong si lola eh. Kahit masama ’yung pakiramdam niya pinipili niyang kumain. Umiinom siya ng gamot niya. Hindi siya nag-give up,” the doctor said.

“Her family did not give up on her also. I think hindi ako ’yung nagpagaling kay lola. Lola herself and her family’s love for her,” she added.

Even if she had opportunities to work in other areas, Dr. Yap chose to work as a barrio doctor in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, which had areas that were far from medical help.

Leading the task force in the area against COVID-19, the doctor said: “You just have to do what’s right and what’s just kahit may magalit sa ’yo, who will not agree with your decision, do what’s right.” – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News