99-year-old patient recovers from COVID-19 at UT Health Pittsburg

Sibyl Vickers has survived a lot in her 99 years. She lived through the Great Depression, lost her eyesight 30 years ago and struggles with hearing loss. Now, she counts herself among COVID-19 survivors.

“I’m feeling much better now,” said Vickers, of Marshall, who is recovering at UT Health Pittsburg.

Vickers first started feeling badly in mid-April, tested positive and was admitted to the hospital days later.

“I was so down when I got that test showing it was positive,” she said. “I just was weak and nauseous, and sad because I couldn’t be with any of my family.”

Her grandson, Dr. Trey Vanderburg, who is chief of staff at UT Health Pittsburg, said his grandmother was so weak she could barely stand up when she was admitted. For him, there was no question of where she would receive treatment.

Vickers said the care she has received at UT Health Pittsburg has been phenomenal. One of her caregivers even took time to paint her nails — light pink, her favorite color.

“I’ve had excellent care and good food, and everything is going well for me,” she said. “They are kind and patient and sweet.”

When Vickers was moved out of isolation, the staff lined the hallways cheering as she was wheeled to a different unit.

“I was so down when I got that test showing it was positive, and then when they all lined up out in the hall and sang to me and clapped it made me feel wonderful,” she said. “I am so appreciative to all of the people who have prayed for me and are helping me. God is good and he takes good care of me.”

More information on this story will be available in the May 14 edition of The Pittsburg Gazette.