Mission Hospital Gives Heroes Send-Off To Coronavirus Survivors

LAGUNA BEACH, CA —The sign over the exit door says, "Heroes work here!" and on a day like Friday, it certainly felt that way. Laguna Beach's Mission Hospital was the scene of much celebrating as hospital staff, nurses and doctors applauded a patient who beat the coronavirus.

In Orange County, as of Friday afternoon, 1,845 residents are still infected with coronavirus, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency. Of those, 36 have died. An additional 33 people who tested positive for the virus on Friday.

There remain 150 Orange County residents in area hospitals, with 63 of those fighting for their lives in Intensive Care Units.

Still, Mission Hospital and other area hospitals are starting to see long-term coronavirus patients leave their care. This week, the hospital staff of the Laguna Beach Mission Hospital bid farewell to Brian Patnoe.

Like many who survive extended hospital stays, such as Patnoe, they leave the hospital weakened and weary. Still, Patnoe propelled himself out the sliding doors, using only a walker. A nurse walking along with him with a wheelchair, just in case.

Brian Patnoe has been hospitalized since March 17, St. Patrick's Day, a day when many were wrapping their minds around not being able to go out to their favorite pub for green beer. Brian Patnoe just wanted to survive.

His wife, Nikki, was forced to leave him in the care of Mission Hospital, where he stayed for six weeks. He survived two turns with the ventilator before his condition improved, she says. On Friday, she and their children Jack and Elise, waited for the go-ahead to do more than wave at him through a window.

Her words, "Can I hug you?" filled with emotion as he beckoned for her to come close, then gathered his daughter and son in an embrace.

A victory both for the Patnoe family, and for the entire hospital.

Earlier in the day, 23-year-old Chanel Dalirifar was transferred to the acute rehabilitation unit after a lengthy battle with coronavirus.

"We are thrilled to see this young lady well on her way to recovery," the hospital spokesperson says. She has been hospitalized for over 34 days.

Our hearts are so full! 23-year-old Chanel Dalirifar was recently transferred to the acute rehab unit after battling #COVID19. We are thrilled to see this young lady well on her way to recovery. #MissionHeroes #SomeGoodNews pic.twitter.com/yi7AEDWfwS
— Mission Hospital (@MissionHospital) April" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/MissionHos... 24, 2020

On Thursday, Kevin Lahr also received a hero's send-off after his lengthy battle with coronavirus.

Lahr was also migrated to acute rehab for recovery.

"We are so happy for Mr. Lahr and his family, and grateful to the Mission Heroes who were by his side every step of the way," the hospital wrote.

Kevin Lahr received a hero's send-off after battling #COVID19 & was transferred to acute rehab where he will continue his journey to recovery. We are so happy for Mr. Lahr & his family, & grateful to the #MissionHeroes who were by his side every step of the way. #SomeGoodNews pic.twitter.com/OaswkW81t3
— Mission Hospital (@MissionHospital) April" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/MissionHos... 23, 2020

Mission Hospital's Chief Executive, Seth Teigen spoke on seeing patients such as these leave the hospital after their exhausting battles.

"Last week was an incredible week as we got to watch patients that came to us diagnosed with coronavirus go home," Teigen says. "We played music as they go down the hallway, 'Here Comes the Sun', and I can't think of a more appropriate song in getting to leave the hospital on the road to recovery."

Out of the 3.2 million residents of Orange County, a mere 22,000 people have been tested as of Friday. Every one of those tested is in a high risk group or experiencing symptoms consistent with coronavirus.

Even as golf courses reopen to foursomes and county beaches and trailheads remain open to healthy residents, seeking sunshine and exercise, all else are told to stay socially distant, and advised to wear masks until the threat of coronavirus passes.

Full coronavirus coverage: Coronavirus In California: What To Know

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