90-Year-Old Woman Dies from COVID-19 after Refusing Ventilator so Young Patients Could Use It

A 90-year-old woman from Belgium selflessly told doctors to give her ventilator to "younger patients" after contracting the coronavirus since she "already had a good life."

Suzanne Hoylaerts from Binkom in Belgium had no idea that she had contracted the virus when she sought out medical attention due to shortness of breath and a lack of appetite on March 20.

SHE DIDN'T WANT TREATMENT

Immediately admitted to the hospital, Suzanne then got tested for the coronavirus. After her results came back positive, Suzanne went into isolation but selflessly opted out of much-needed treatment.

I can't say goodbye to her.

Speaking with the Dutch newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, Suzanne's daughter, Judith said that Suzanne then refused the use of a ventilator, as doctors relayed the 90-year-old's request:

"I don't want to use artificial respiration. Save it for younger patients. I already had a good life."

Respirators are a vital piece of equipment in the treatment of the coronavirus, and a global shortage exists due to their high demand. Two days later, on March 22, Suzanne passed away while in the hospital.

JUDITH CAN'T SAY GOODBYE TO HER MOTHER

As of Tuesday, Belgium recorded 12, 775 reportedly confirmed cases as per Johns Hopkins University, while the death toll had risen to 705 people.

Judith has no idea how her mother contracted the virus, and she told the publication that Suzanne had been compliant with lockdown measures, especially because of her age.

Since Suzanne remained in isolation, and with new regulations that prohibit gatherings, Judith is devastated at the lack of closure, as she said:

"I can't say goodbye to her, and I don't even have a chance to attend her funeral."

ANOTHER REPRESENTATION OF HOPE

While Suzanne's act of selflessness touched the hearts of many, a 102-year-old woman from Italy gave people hope of another kind by recovering from the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Living in Genoa, Italy, Italica Grondona spent over 20 days in the San Matino hospital after contracting the coronavirus.

Italica's doctor, Vera Sicbaldi, told CNN that they nicknamed her "Highlander - the Immortal" for recovering from the respiratory disease.

Admitted to the hospital for "mild heart failure" at the beginning of March, Dr. Sicbaldi said that she "represents hope for all the elderly."

The 102-year-old displayed "mild coronavirus symptoms," and Dr. Sicbaldi has no idea what her secret is since Italica basically "recovered on her own."

According to Italica's nephew Renato Villa Grondona, she left the hospital for a care home on March 26.

THE SECOND ITALIAN OVER 100 TO SURVIVE

However, Italica is not the only person over the age of hundred to survive the virus in Italy. Recently, Italian Vice Mayor of Rimini, Gloria Lisi, announced that a 101-year-old man returned home after fighting off the disease in a hospital.

Known only as Mr. P. Guerre, he reportedly wholly recovered from the infection and is happy to be back with his family.