Life after COVID-19: 2 Philadelphia-area survivors share their stories

It's been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic first began and it has claimed thousands of lives while scores more have battled the illness.

Brett Breslow and Monty G., both of the Philadelphia area, battled COVID-19 and won but their battles were difficult.

Brett Breslow, 50, had no prior health condition when he felt ill with COVID-19. His condition rapidly deteriorated and he had been hospitalized in the ICU at Cooper University Hospital for over a month. 

Likewise, Monty G., a diehard Philadelphia sports fan, ended up hospitalized for a month. 

Both men spent time on ventilators, which at the time, was a dark sign of how severe their illnesses were. 

"I thought I was going to die," Monty G. told FOX 29. "I thought I was going to go and I couldn't take it. I'm still not taking it good right now. I'm seeing a mental therapist."

Doctors reportedly told Monty G. that it was a good thing he didn't smoke, drink or have a history of diabetes or it's possible he would have died. 

Brett Breslow had a similar experience when he was told he was going to be on a ventilator. "Absolutely, I thought that was it," he explained. 

Amy Brewslow, his wife, fought hard to get him help said she feared she was going to lose him. "I was really afraid that I was going to lose him but I was in such a fight for his life that I just couldn't give up."

Brett attributes a "certain grit" to Philadelphians that helped him get through his battle of COVID-19. 

Both men still are going through recoveries, but are doing much better now. 

___

RELATED COVERAGE:

NJ navy veteran hospitalized with COVID-19 desperately needs plasma donation

NJ Navy veteran makes incredible recovery from COVID-19 after being on ventilator, dialysis

Community surprises Navy veteran who recovered from COVID-19 with welcome home parade

___

DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP

SUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTube

FOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter