One of the worst parts of any tragedy is hearing the stories about the people who suffer from it.
Covid-19 is no exception as we hear many stories about the patients. The latest story comes from Florida, where a father and his son who both worked as doctors passed away due to the virus.
The son, Dr. Carlos Francisco Vallejo, was 57. As a doctor, he treated patients in three different nursing homes. It is thought that the good doctor contracted the virus from one of his many patients, which was then spread to 5 other family members.
One of the members who likely contracted the virus through Carlos was his 89 year old father Dr. Jorge A. Vallejo. After he lost his wife in 2005, the younger doctor was one of the main caretakers for the retired OBGYN doctor.
Both the father and son were admitted to a hospital on June 27th. Dr. Jorge passed away just 6 days after he was hospitalized. Ironically, the hospital where Dr. Jorge passed away was where Dr. Carlos served as a board of director.
Dr. Carlos passed away on August 1st. For 42 days he fought against the virus in intensive care. He is survived by his wife and his three children. Jessica Vallejo, who is a new reporter for the local CBS, told Miami Herald that the family has lost both anchors to the virus.
Jessica is Dr. Jorge’s granddaughter and Dr. Carlos’ niece. Dr. Jorge’s life is remembered by those who knew him as the real American Dream. After fleeing Cuba and reaching Florida with out a penny, Dr. Jorge eventually managed to succeed and delivered 8 out of 9 grandkids.
As an OBGYN doctor, Dr. Jorge was a star within the community. Not only did he deliver salsa star Celia Cruz, but he also delivered what was then the smallest baby in 1992.
The apple did not fall far from the tree, as Dr. Carlos is also remembered as a hero by his family and friends. He always made time for his 76 patients despite the looming threat of a global pandemic, who would also take all the necessary measures to protect his family.
Kevin Vallejo, Dr. Carlos’ 23 year old son, was also set to begin his career as a doctor. His plans have been postponed following the passing of his father.
Join us in remembering the two doctors, as well as sending our thoughts to their family members.
Replaced!