June 09, 2020

Gregg Garfield & Anneliese Johnson- COVID Patient Zero Medical Miracle Survives 64 Days in the Hospital with Support from his Village

53 minutes

Gregg Garfield is the owner of CardConnect E.V. and Chip In, a credit card processing company. His girlfriend, Anneliese Johnson (AJ) is a mother of two teenage daughters and a wealth manager. Gregg and AJ heartedly support the peaceful protests for Black Lives Matter, but they're concerned about the spread of coronavirus as large groups stand elbow to elbow with many civilians, cops, and firefighters not wearing masks. They know first hand the horrific effects of this novel virus that flourishes in crowds.

When Gregg Garfield left for a ski trip adventure in Italy at the end of February, he had no idea 10 days later he would begin his most difficult journey to date- fighting for his life. On March 5, Gregg became Patient Zero as he checked himself into St. Joseph's Providence Hospital in Burbank with serious Covid-19 symptoms.

Gregg was put on a ventilator for 31 days and was given a less than 1% chance of survival. He had four collapsed lungs, kidney failure, got MRSA, had a pulmonary embolism, and had sepsis all over his body...and yet he survived. His "Village" prayed for him, toasted him nightly with tequila- his favorite, meditated, danced, and supported him in unmeasurable ways. Sixty-four days after entering the hospital with EMTs wearing hazmat suits, he walked out holding his girlfriend, AJ's, and his sister's, Stephanie Garfield-Bruno's arms.

The sustained lack of circulation to his fingers and toes caused them to turn black, similar to a frostbite injury. He is scheduled for additional surgeries for amputation and will need more physical and occupational therapy. His lust for life, gratitude to be alive, and will to conquer any mountain make him a true walking hero who will eventually have bionic fingers.

In this episode, Gregg and AJ share the harrowing story of his miraculous survival and how Patient Zero became an iconic image of hope, not just for the incredible doctors and nurses who treated him, but for the other patients and their families dealing with this very unpredictable novel virus. Gregg and AJ are here today to educate and inspire, and I promise you will love their love story.

SHOW NOTE LINKS:

Gregg Garfield Covid 19 Patient Zero Go Fund Me Page

Gregg on Ellentube

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