“I just had a cough, and when I started running a fever, I knew something was off,” said Tracy Glover, referring to how he felt in March of 2020.

Glover’s illness coincided with the early days of a new virus affecting people around the world.

“From the time I was diagnosed with COVID, to the time that I was intubated, became a blur,” said Glover.

In all, Glover spent 18 days at ECU Health Medical Center – and nearly five of those on a ventilator.

“The concern when I first met him, I’m thinking, ‘Ok we’ve got a young, early 50’s gentleman who fits the profile of the person that should not survive,’” said Charlsie Woodard, a nurse practitioner and hospitalist at the East Carolina Heart Institute at ECU Health Medical Center.

Woodard was one member of a large care team at Vidant involved in Tracy’s care, with her enthusiasm leaving a lasting impression.

“To have her come in and encourage me, push me and to give me goals, really meant a lot,” said Glover.

And so on the year anniversary of Glover’s discharge, he celebrated the occasion by making good on a promise to give Woodard a hug, in gratitude for the care he received.

“I’m glad to be here,” said Glover. “Because without the support and prayers of my family, and the great care of the staff here at Vidant, I would not have recovered as well as I did.”

“I feel like I was the calvary,” said Woodard. “So many people had taken such good care of him before I met him, and I just got to wean his oxygen and be a cheerleader and help him get home.”

A shared experience bringing forth recovery and reflection.

“He’s a COVID win, and that’s what we would call him,” said Woodard. “It’s a COVID win.”

“It really does change your perspective on life itself,” said Glover. “How every breath is not a guarantee, it’s just another opportunity.”