Himamaylan’s oldest COVID survivor inspires Negrenses

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD CITY – While everyone is worried and scared over the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a 92-year-old woman from Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental gave inspiration and hope as she survived the infection at home in the arms of her family.

Antonina Gargoles of Barangay Saraet, who is the oldest survivor in the city, remained strong despite her old age in battling COVID.

This good news was shared on Facebook by Dr. Kaye Marie Yap, a rural physician, who considered Gargoles as their inspiration in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yap shared on her social media account that Gargoles contracted the virus on July 23.

Yap said she would visit her at home for her medication and continuous monitoring because her family refused to bring her to a hospital, as they wanted to take care of her, considering her old age and bedridden status.

She was too weak, febrile and was suffering from difficulty of breathing when we visited her on August 6, Yap said, adding that she also has a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Yap said Gargoles took her medicines diligently with the help of her daughter and grandson. She was in good hands, under the care of her kind and loving family, she added.

Two days after she started her medication, her condition improved, eventually leading to her full recovery, Yap said.

Her repeat swab test result came out negative, with no symptoms, she added.

Meanwhile, Mayor Raymund Tongson, thanked Gargoles for being the silver-lining especially at the height of the pandemic when days tend to be the longest and frontline workers get physically and emotionally weary.

“Mabuhay ka, Lola,” the mayor said, adding that Gargoles brought them hope, strength and courage in this tough times.