[ad_1]
A 38-year-old respiratory therapist and Everett veteran died in July after falling ill with COVID-19. He was not vaccinated, but one of his last wishes was for his family to be vaccinated.
Michael Hamilton was working as a respiratory therapist in Sunnyside, Washington, and fell ill in May. He fought COVID-19 for months but did not survive.
“He is survived by a youngster of 11 and 17,” said his wife, Lashawna Hamilton. “It’s getting harder and harder every day instead of easier,” she said.
Michael Hamilton served in the military, was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, and became a respiratory therapist.
“He was a pretty phenomenal human being. One in a million, ”said Lashawna Hamilton.
When COVID-19 hit, she said the job had become very difficult, but her husband volunteered to work extra shifts.
“He worked seven to twelve hour shifts. He would therefore have seven days and eight days off, ”she said. They went through a year and a half. But in May 2021, Michael Hamilton fell ill.
“He was intubated. He was losing oxygen, ”she said. He was in a induced coma for two months, had five surgeries, and was airlifted to a Portland hospital.
“May turned into June; June turned into July, ”said Lashawna Hamilton.
Then his organs started to fail.
“So a decision had to be made and he died on July 3,” she said. “It’s so ironic when you think about it.”
Lashawna Hamilton said her husband was not vaccinated.
“It’s something people will always say. Is it because he was not vaccinated? she said. But she said that before her death, her husband had changed his mind.
“One of the last things he said to me was, ‘I want Brooklyn (girl) and you to get the shot,’” she said.
Their son is too young, but she and their daughter have been vaccinated.
“Do I know if the vaccination will save me?” I do not know. But if I can try to find a way not to be in my husband’s shoes, I will get the vaccine, ”she said.
Now, she’s hoping people will take a moment to hear and remember Michael Hamilton’s story.
“He was 6 feet, 4 inches and 330 pounds. He was a great guy. He was so hilarious, just a funny guy, very sarcastic, ”said Lashawna Hamilton.
She describes him as a die-hard Seahawks fan, veteran, healthcare worker, and family man who had a chuckle that you won’t forget.
“He definitely lived for us,” said Lashawna Hamilton. “He gave his life being selfless. For me, he’s a hero.
“Even through some of the ugliest times on this earth, there is still beauty. And that would be my husband, ”she added.
Family friends have set up a GoFundMe for the family to help pay for Michael Hamilton’s medical bills. His memorial will be this Saturday.
© 2021 Cox Media Group
[ad_2]
Source link