TMC PULSE

32 t m c n e w s . o r g "Who could have predicted that?" Francisco said. "So now we're understanding through inference that one of the unusual things about COVID is that the virus affects the blood-clotting mechanism of the body. The blood becomes thicker. … That's why some people end up with kidney failure, others have the COVID purple toes, others have heart involvement. That's why even some teenagers have heart failure— because of the involvement of the blood vessels of the heart." Francisco and his colleagues estimate that close to 15 percent of individuals who fought COVID- 19 will need rehabilitation to help restore physical and cognitive function. That number is based on the percentage of patients who end up in the ICU while being treated for sepsis—a potentially deadly condi- tion in which the body has an out- sized response to infection, leading to tissue damage and organ failure. For recovering COVID-19 patients, the length of time in speaking directly to the graduating seniors spread out across the foot- ball field in chairs set 6 feet apart. The state had only recently lifted social distancing guidelines, which allowed for an in-person commencement ceremony. "Four weeks ago, having a grad- uation like this was not possible," Eaton said to the students and teachers assembled. "Our world responded to the global pandemic with our nation in quarantine and in great uncertainty. Even me, I found myself in a battle with COVID-19." At this point, Eaton was inter- rupted by clapping and cheering from the crowd. But that was the one and only time he spoke of his personal struggle. "Today you are here, graduating in a ceremony," he continued, "and I'm here as your principal, honoring you, the Lake Creek High School class of 2020. Together, we have boldly roared down brick walls in our past. And now we move proudly into the future." inpatient or outpatient rehabilita- tion will vary from person to person. "Our goal is to bring these people back to the community— bring them back to the workforce," Francisco said. * * * * * Phil Eaton was discharged from TIRR on May 5, a full 51 days after being admitted to Memorial Hermann The Woodlands. During his exit test, he had a chance to look at the clock he drew in his early days of rehabilitation. "It looked like a lima bean," Eaton said. Cognitively and physically, he has come a long way. Today, Eaton is an outpatient at TIRR, working towards resuming all facets of his ordinary life. "I still can't drive," he said, explaining that part of his occupa- tional therapy includes tests related to his judgment and reasoning behind the wheel. "I'm going to say Southwest Central Church of Christ 4011 w. bellfort | swcentral.org @ southwestcentral church Wednesdays 6-8p - cafe grace Sundays 9a - silence & solitude 10a - collec;ve gathering 11a - small groups With simplicity and hope, we are a congrega;on next to Houston's Medical Center, endeavoring to love God and love our neighbors well. You are welcome here. that March 14 is the last time I drove. In fact, the tank of gas that's in my truck right now—I think we fueled up on March 14. A couple of times I've just gone out there and sat in my truck and started it." Another ongoing challenge for Eaton is his left foot, which started aching a couple of days into rehabil- itation. He is now seeing a podiatrist who is trying to determine the cause of the pain. For the time being, that foot is in a boot. "If my left foot was OK, I might be able to run," Eaton said. His main goal is to get back to work. Many people who don't work in education assume that everyone takes the summer off and heads back to school in August, Eaton said, which is not the case. He takes off maybe 10 days a year. But doctors did clear him for one special event on Thursday, June 4— the first-ever graduation ceremony at Lake Creek High School, which opened in August 2018. As prin- cipal, Eaton hosted the ceremony,

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