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After spending weeks in the hospital battling COVID-19, one San Antonio man is finally heading home.
Luis Diaz first went to the hospital with what he and his family thought was a sinus infection or horrible allergies. They hoped it was bronchitis when they went to the hospital again. But their worst fear came true when he returned a third time and tested positive for COVID-19.
Diaz’s lungs and kidneys failed him. He had to be put on a ventilator and dialysis.
“Our dad died three times in the last 60 days and he walked out alive today,” said Sean Diaz, Luis’ son. Luis spent 62 days at the Stone Oak Methodist Hospital.
When he was released on May 29, he was greeted with hugs from his family and cheers from his doctors and nurses.
Photojournalist Bill Caldera was there to capture the emotional moments.
“He’s the patriarch of our family. It’s just very emotional,” Sean said.
Luis was overcome with joy and gratitude when leaving the hospital. He couldn’t hold back his tears when thanking the healthcare workers who literally brought him back to life.
“My life has been changed,” Luis said. “This is the second part of my life.”