A 62-year-old doctor who urged residents to follow CDC health guidelines and wear face masks has passed away from coronavirus.
Dr. Rebecca Shadowen, an infectious disease specialist, died from Covid-19 on September 11 after doing all she could to keep residents educated and safe.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear paid tribute to Dr. Shadowen, writing: “I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Dr. Rebecca Shadowen, a front line hero who worked tirelessly to protect the lives of others.”
Beshear added: “Please, follow Dr. Shadowen’s advice – wear a mask in her honor.”
On March 13, Dr. Shadowen wrote on Facebook: “If you could save the life of another person without harming your own, would you? Although we are (fiercely) individuals, we still live as community.”
Four days later, she wrote: “Wouldn’t it be cool if we could make the Bowling Green area the least affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19)! We not only get the award, we create it!”
She added: “I have always described Bowling Green as a “special sweet spot” because of all we have and all of who we are here. It is our home.
“Let us be the one community that acts now to isolate ourselves and live by the recommendations to stop the spread by stopping in person exposure to others.”
However, Shadowen fell ill in May while giving health advice as a part of the Bowling Green-Warren County Coronavirus Workgroup.
David, her husband, told NBC News that his wife was transferred between local hospitals for four months as she was treated for the virus.
“There were multiple times she thought she was turning the corner and we thought she was on the road to recovery,” David said.
In July, Shadowen wrote on Facebook: “Although I am not home yet, I am in a very long recovery period and making slow progress here in Bowling Green. Which, by the way is the greatest place on the planet with the most wonderful people.”
Sadly, she passed away at age 62 after suffering from weakened lungs and abdominal bleeding. She was surrounded by her husband and children.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!
Replaced!