STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After a 93-day stay in the hospital with more than 60 of those days spent on a respirator, Silvestre Flores, 60, was released from Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) on Tuesday.
Family members gathered and waited patiently outside the West Brighton hospital for their family’s patriarch to be released. Excitement could be seen on the children’s faces as they prepared to present Flores with hand-made gifts.
As Flores was wheeled out, he was met by thunderous applause. Healthcare workers who have been such a big part of his journey followed him down and said their goodbyes as a Mariachi band played.
Flores’ wife met him with a big hug and a bouquet of assorted balloons that read “welcome home.‘' Flores waved at supporters and put his fist in the air, signaling a triumph over the virus that has taken the lives of so many.
Tears started flowing as family members embraced one another. Most of the family never thought they would experience a moment like this.
60-year-old Silvestre Flores was released from RUMC after a 93-day battle with the coronavirus (COVID-19).(Staten Island Advance/Jordan Hafizi)
“It’s been a rollercoaster -- he was on the ventilator for over 46 days, he got better and had to go back on again,‘' said Pedro Flores, son of Silvestre Flores. “He went into cardiac arrest. Me, my family, my sisters, we all suffered through this, but we know that my dad suffered the most. He never gave up, so we never gave up either.”
Most of the staff there for Flores’ journey were excited and beyond happy to see him being released from the hospital.
According to RUMC President and CEO Daniel Messina, patients being released from the hospital’s care and recovery is what keeps the hospital staff going.
“We know that you’re very thankful to all the doctors and nurses who helped you, but we want you to know how much you have given back to us,” Messina said directly to Flores in front of the large crowd.
Flores, who resides in Stapleton, was admitted to RUMC on April 5 and was almost immediately placed on a ventilator due to his deteriorating condition.
After the 93-day stay full of physical and emotional ups and downs, Flores can now, finally, spend time recovering at home with family.