When Dr. Manuel Bulauitan started showing signs of coronavirus, his family were understandably worried.
His previous medical history, including chronic anemia and hypertension, and two intubations, put the 74-year-old in severe danger.
He was diagnosed with a “severe form” of the coronavirus and placed on a ventilator twice with all the odds stacked against him.
But the New York doctor, who has dedicated his life to helping others, pulled through, thanks to his three doctor sons who flew to his bedside to help in his recovery.
Staff at the hospital where Dr. Bulauitan was treated lined the corridors to clap him as he left in a wheelchair. He will be recovering at his son’s house in North Carolina with help from his daughter-in-law who is a physical therapist.
“I am grateful that I’m here and my deepest thanks to all the medical professionals – from attending doctors and nurses – [they] are deep in my heart,” Bulauitan told Fox News. “They tell me it’s a miracle I survived.”
Showed virus signs on FaceTime
After noticing that their father was showing signs of the virus in a FaceTime chat, two of his sons, Dr. Philippe Bulauitan and Dr. Manuel Bulauitan Jr., flew from North Carolina, to his bedside.
They took him to Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where the oldest son, Major Dr. Constantine Bulauitan, an Army Reserve and trauma surgeon, works.
All three sons, who are treating coronavirus patients, stayed with him throughout his month-long recovery.
“We grew up being inspired and admiring our dad for how he served his community and how hard he works,” Dr. Philippe Bulauitan told Fox News.
‘The best thing we could’ve done’
“And for us, the ultimate sign of respect is that all three of us followed in his footsteps. For someone who has cared for us our entire lives, to have the opportunity to help care for him and help save his life, it was the best thing we could’ve done.”
Dr. Bulauitan Sr. adds, “I think I am one of the luckiest survivors to have three doctors as sons and have them care for me. Especially the Almighty. I thank him.”
We’re so happy that Dr. Manuel Bulauitan survived this horrific virus and is now out of hospital and surrounded by his family.
Please share this inspirational story with friends and family.
