Liberal Man on Ventilator Recovers from Coronaviris

Liberal, KS– COVID-19 has been affecting hundreds of residents across Seward County. Among those who came down with it was 58-year-old Manuel Mercado of Liberal, Kansas.

“I can’t even find the words to describe how bad I felt. You go through so much. I was very sick at home for three days before I had to go to the ER,” stated Mercado.

Mercado was admitted to Southwest Medical Center on April 15th with shortness of breath, weakness, and fever. Two days later, he was diagnosed with COVID-19.

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve gone through in my life. Don’t take this as a game. Stay safe and take care of yourself. Please, everyone follow the precautions,” stated Mercado.

Mercado was in the intensive care unit at SWMC for 15 days. The majority of his stay, he was on a ventilator. Despite being in a high-risk group, he is now recovering. He says he feels lucky to have beat the odds.

“I fought through this for my family and my granddaughter. Never underestimate the power of thoughts and prayers,” said Mercado.

Today, Mercado was discharged from SWMC with applauds from medical staff and taken to his home for isolation.

“I want to sincerely thank the staff and nurses at the hospital. They fought through this with me. The healthcare staff treated me like family. They will always have a special place in my heart.”

Mercado wants to remind everyone to follow the stay-at-home order and safety guidelines.

“I did everything I could to keep myself safe. I was an essential employee, so I still had to go to work, but I stayed home aside from that duty. The only way we can protect our community is by working together.”

Mercado is now a beacon of hope for many residents in Southwest Kansas.