A beloved teacher, mother, and grandmother named Maria Thompson, 44, has tragically lost her battle with COVID-19, becoming yet another cherished educator to succumb to the virus.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, countless dedicated teachers have faced immense challenges. Some continued teaching in person, while others opted for virtual lessons. Regardless of the circumstances, their commitment to educating children remained steadfast. Maria Thompson, a devoted educator from New Mexico, exemplified this dedication by teaching virtually, even after being hospitalized for COVID-19-related pneumonia.
According to reports, Maria began experiencing mild symptoms on November 12. A persistent cough prompted a visit to the emergency room, where she was diagnosed with both the virus and pneumonia. Following a three-day hospitalization, she was discharged with an oxygen tank and mask.
Her brother, John Thompson, shared with CNN, “She was determined to return to her students. Even while on oxygen, she was teaching when most would still be in the hospital. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated to the point where she struggled to breathe.”
Maria’s goal was to see her students through the end of the term. She not only taught behaviorally challenged students via Zoom but also reached out to children without internet access over the phone at night. Her brother believes she worked an astonishing 70 hours a week. Sadly, after two weeks back home, her symptoms worsened, leading her to be readmitted to Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque on November 28. She was placed on a ventilator on December 6.
“She was vibrant and full of life, and we never imagined she’d end up in such a dire situation,” John said. “We were all under the impression that she would recover, but she hid her struggles from us.”
Doctors discovered blood clots in her lungs and a collapsed lung, which resulted in kidney failure and the need for dialysis. “I witnessed her at her lowest, but I knew she fought with all her might and was ready to rest,” her brother revealed, as the family made the heart-wrenching decision to remove her from life support.
Maria leaves behind three children and one grandchild, along with her parents, brother, and sister. Her family, along with many of her students, belongs to the Navajo Nation, a community that has been severely impacted by the virus. Earlier this year, the Navajo Nation recorded the highest per capita infection rate in the country, surpassing New York and New Jersey. As of last Wednesday, the Navajo Department of Health reported 20,095 cases and 731 deaths.
To help cover funeral expenses, her family launched a GoFundMe page, which quickly met its goal within 48 hours. John hopes that Maria’s story will resonate with others. “Her story is just one among many. We should focus on the countless lives affected by this pandemic,” he said. “Maria would have wanted everyone to love each other, refrain from judgment, see the best in everyone, and strive to improve the world. That is her legacy.”
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Summary:
Maria Thompson, a devoted 44-year-old teacher from New Mexico, tragically passed away from COVID-19 after continuing to teach virtually while battling the virus. Despite her determination to support her students, her health deteriorated, leading to her hospitalization and eventual death. Her family is raising funds for her funeral and hopes her story highlights the struggles of many affected by the pandemic.
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