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Thanksgiving Reimagined: A Survivor’s Reflection on Gratitude and Resilience

Source: Thanksgiving matters more to me after spending one in the ICU | Opinion (2025-11-25)

In this heartfelt opinion piece, Blake Fontenay recounts his harrowing experience battling COVID-19 in an ICU, which profoundly reshaped his perspective on Thanksgiving. His story highlights the fragility of life, the importance of gratitude, and the need for community support during crises. Since his ordeal five years ago, significant advancements have been made in COVID-19 treatment, including the development of mRNA vaccines, antiviral medications like Paxlovid, and improved ICU protocols that have reduced mortality rates. Globally, over 13 billion vaccine doses have been administered, significantly curbing severe illness and death. The pandemic spurred innovations in telemedicine, enabling millions to access healthcare remotely, and accelerated research into long COVID, which now affects an estimated 10-30% of survivors. Public health policies have evolved to emphasize preparedness, with many countries establishing stockpiles of PPE and rapid testing infrastructure. As society continues to recover, the lessons learned underscore the importance of resilience, community, and gratitude—values that resonate deeply during Thanksgiving. This story not only reminds us of the personal toll of COVID-19 but also highlights the remarkable progress in medical science and public health that has saved countless lives and transformed our approach to future pandemics.

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