A Special Visit

Mr. Peralez returned to Knapp Medical Center on the one-year anniversary of the day he was discharged after battling COVID-19. He came with his family, including his parents, sister, and best friend.

While he was a patient, the team at Knapp came to know Mr. Peralez for his fighting spirit. The day he was discharged, after having been in the hospital over a month, he raised his fist to show that he had survived and beat COVID-19.

He came back a year later to show that not only did he survive, he thrived.

“I’m very happy to be here,” said Mr. Peralez. “I went through a lot, and I want to thank the Lord for giving me a second chance at life. I also want to thank my family, especially my sister, Priscilla. She went through a lot of sleepless nights. I also want to thank my best friend, Israel, for all his effort.”

Mr. Peralez also thanked the community, including the Weslaco High School Lady Panthers and their coach, Griselda Fino, and the Harlingen High School Lady Cardinals and their coach Ashley Moncivaiz, for their support. “People I didn’t even know supported me. They held vigils outside the hospital.”

And last, but certainly not least, Mr. Peralez shared his appreciation for the team at Knapp Medical Center. “I want to thank all the nurses and medical staff here at Knapp Medical Center. They were with me 24/7. Without them, I don’t think I’d be here.”

Gracie Villalpando, RN, one of the many nurses at Knapp who helped care for Mr. Peralez, said she was very happy to see Mr. Peralez get so much better. “He looks great, he’s walking great, he’s talking great,” Gracie said. “As a nurse, you feel like you’ve accomplished something more in your life.”