Montclair Man Beats Coronavirus, Donates Plasma To Honor Fallen

MONTCLAIR, NJ — It was late March when Montclair resident Ed Durkin felt the first coronavirus symptom: a headache.

It’s a malady that the former Caldwell councilman rarely gets. The next day, a fever set in. But since he didn’t have any breathing issues and no coughing, Durkin didn’t think he’d contracted the virus that leads to COVID-19.

Then – after the fever kept returning and fatigue and appetite loss began to set in – Durkin finally got tested at an urgent care facility in West Caldwell. The results came in the next day.

He had the coronavirus.

Luckily, Durkin was one of the majority of people who contract the virus but only develop mild symptoms. By April 1, he was feeling “100 percent.”

Durkin also emerged from his battle with the virus with antibodies, which a lab test confirmed.

Recently, the World Health Organization said there is no evidence that people who have caught the disease in the past or have antibodies in their systems are immune from the coronavirus.

However, people with antibodies may have the ability to save lives by donating blood plasma for other COVID-19 patients as part of a new treatment for the disease. Fully-recovered patients can donate through the Red Cross at redcrossblood.org

• See related article: Newark Hospital Saves 'Coding' Girl Who Has Virus Antibodies
• See related article: Belleville Mayor Has Coronavirus Antibodies; Here's What It Means

TRAGIC NEWS INSPIRES DONATION

It wasn’t long after getting word of his antibody test that Durkin learned of the deaths of two local community members from the virus: Jim Brown and Charles "Rob" Roberts.

Brown, a Colonia resident, was principal of Grover Cleveland Middle School. Roberts, a Livingston native, was a veteran officer with the Glen Ridge Police Department.

• See related article: Caldwell School Loses Principal Jim Brown To Coronavirus
• See related article: Beloved Cop, Livingston Native Mourned After Coronavirus Fight

“When I first heard about Jim Brown and Rob Roberts, I thought that they were going to be OK,” Durkin told Patch. “When I heard the tragic news, it really resonated in me that I could have been just like them since I had the same virus. I then realized how lucky I was.”

Durkin said that as “a newly married man,” he couldn’t imagine the grief his wife would feel if he’d passed away. But possibly, he could help others avoid a tragic fate, he realized.

“I saw on the news a man who recovered and had the antibodies donate his plasma and helped save lives,” Durkin recalled.

The former councilman said donating plasma is “relatively easy” and pain-free.

The whole process took about an hour, and he’s able to donate three times a month. He plans to return again – and again – until there’s a proven vaccine.

“Far too many young family men are no longer with us due to this virus,” Durkin mourned.

READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here's What You Need To Know)

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