Burnaby mother and nurse Rika Johnson is getting a tattoo in reminiscence of her husband Jeremy.
“We have been collectively for 25 years and he handed per week earlier than our wedding ceremony anniversary,” Johnson stated.
Johnson, Jeremy, and their two sons all contracted COVID-19 round Easter of this 12 months. She had but to obtain a primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
“I used to be watching to see how folks’s reactions have been as a result of I’m fairly delicate and I get actually sick from the flu shot,” Johnson stated. “So I needed to simply sort of wait it out somewhat bit.”
“I used to be all the time going to get it, however I didn’t wish to get sick after which need to miss work from getting the shot.”
Jeremy ended up in hospital — first Burnaby Hospital, then Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster.
“I’d like to get again to regular, 100 per cent,” Johnson stated on the time. “I would like my life again to regular with my husband.”
That sense of normalcy by no means returned. Jeremy would battle issues from the illness for 5 months. He died on Aug. 13.
Johnson’s sister Aiyana Collins was additionally hesitant about getting immunized, after which she noticed Jeremy.
“Seeing him hooked as much as the machines and on life assist, it was like actuality slapped me within the face,” Collins stated. “This might have been me. This might have been any considered one of us.”
Each sisters at the moment are immunized in opposition to COVID-19 and are talking out following current anti-vaccine protests exterior B.C. hospitals.
Learn extra:
‘How tragic, how fast, how indiscriminate’: Healthy B.C. father, 46, dies of COVID-19 at home
“It does frustrate me as a result of there are folks in there which can be preventing for his or her lives who’ve COVID,” Collins stated. “You could have folks in there who’re going by means of hell and again, like my household did.”
An online fundraiser has been set as much as assist the household, who’re struggling to get better from a collection of misfortunes.
With the arrival of B.C.’s COVID-19 vaccine card system coming quickly, the sisters supply this recommendation.
“If Jeremy by no means caught COVID, he can be right here right now,” Collins stated. “If Jeremy caught the flu, he can be right here right now.
“The subsequent time any person needs to scream that it’s a violation of your private rights and freedoms, simply bear in mind it’s you taking away the rights and freedoms for others to truly stay.”
Johnson says she doesn’t need others to undergo what her household has skilled.
“You don’t wish to find yourself like Jeremy,” she stated. “He was 44 years outdated and he leaves behind a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old, and me.”
“Should you don’t wish to die at no matter age you’re, regardless for those who’re younger or outdated, then it is best to think about getting the vaccine. As a result of I obtained the vaccine. I’m high-quality and I’m not going to let my youngsters be with out each of their mother and father.”
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