Where were you when the country shutdown due to the pandemic? How did it change your life? The answers to these questions will undoubtedly be etched in our minds forever.
While this year has been difficult, most could not imagine handling a burden like the one faced by former Holy Angels Shelter client, Kam. In addition to experiencing homelessness during a pandemic, Kam was pregnant and a frontline healthcare worker. A proud graduate of Southwestern Illinois College’s certified nursing assistant program, Kam fell in love with the residents of a nursing home 30 minutes away from East St. Louis during her clinicals. Determined to stay with them, even through the pandemic, Kam committed herself to a long commute using public transportation. During routine COVID testing, Kam learned she was positive for the virus just before she was due to deliver her baby.
Kam delivered a beautiful baby girl just a few days into her COVID isolation. Soon after being released from the hospital, baby Ava had trouble breathing and required emergency medical attention. Holy Angels Shelter staff members Gywanna and Shirley, along with MedStar Ambulance dispatcher, Trecia helped Kam through a very frightening ordeal. We are happy to report both mom and baby are now doing well. Watch Kam tell the story in her own words here.