PBRMC releases COVID-19 survivor video

A two minute, 12 second video posted on Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center’s Facebook page tells the story of a COVID-19 survivor.

There are no words spoken, but the images show a patient, identified as Jimmie R. Sanders, leaving the hospital after having been on a ventilator for 10 days, following his COVID-19 diagnosis.

The video opens with, “On April 4th, 2020, Jimmie was admitted to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center COVID-19 positive …”

That message is followed by a video showing Sanders being wheeled off of an elevator and down a hallway, lined with cheering and applauding hospital staff members. Staff members hold balloons and signs that together read: “You are a survivor.”

Once Sanders reaches the end of the hall, he turns back and waves before then being wheeled out the front doors, where “his wife and Shriner family were waiting to greet him” with more applause, cheers and signs.

The video includes a thank you card from Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie R. Sanders.

It says: “For all the wonderful nurses and doctors in the medical ICU unit. We can never express our gratitude for the excellent care you provided Jimmie during his long stay in the ICU.

“All of you will be in our prayers for your selfless dedication. Wishing all of you continued good health for yourselves and your families.”

The final images are of Sanders, surrounded by medical personnel in the background, as he gives two thumbs up.

Sanders and his wife are “just a great couple,” said Lacey McClintock, PBRMC’s director of marketing and community relations. “They’re ingrained in the Shriners in Poplar Bluff. … It’s an inspiring story.”

After being admitted on April 4, Sanders was on a ventilator at one point for 10 days before he was released on Thursday.

“He went through a lot to get to where he’s at,” McClintock said, “Some COVID patients have really light symptoms and have been able to recover at home.

“That was not the case with Mr. Sanders. His battle was a difficult one.”

McClintock said Sanders was “amazing with our nurses,” joking back and forth with them.

“He’s a really cool guy,” she said. “ … We were really excited to see him go home. We’re excited when any of our patients recover and return home.”

As a veteran, McClintock said, Sanders fought hard and “wasn’t going to let COVID beat him.”

The video can be seen at: https://www.facebook.com/PoplarBluffRegional/videos/297706414556557/