KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Topeka, Kansas, family is grieving this holiday after losing their loved one to COVID-19 right before Christmas.
"Just sacrifice a little bit longer. There is no reason why more people have to die," Shane Windmeyer, who lost his mother to COVID-19 on Tuesday, said.
Christmas is supposed to be a day of celebrating, but is now filled with sorrow.
"She told me that she wasn't feeling well. I said, 'Mom what's wrong?' and she goes, 'Well, I don't know.' I said you need to get a test," Windmeyer said.
Diann Hall, Windmeyer's mother, tested positive for the virus.
Days after finding out she had the virus, she was admitted into the hospital and placed on a ventilator.
Hall initially responded well to treatment, but as can be the case with the coronavirus, patients can have ups and downs.
"She was there 30 days. She passed away on Dec. 22," Windmeyer said. "I don't want to lose anyone else. There are already 300,000 plus families that have lost loved ones and I can wait for the hugs and to celebrate her life."
This fight against the virus isn't over; Windmeyer wants others to know about the virus.
"It's a small sacrifice to wear a mask. I get people want to be together - I want to be with my mom. It's a small sacrifice to go into a store and just put a mask on your face," Windmeyer said.
