(MURFREESBORO)  Thanksgiving takes on new meaning this year for Murfreesboro's Mark Lively.  Mark tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2021, just before vaccines became available for his age group. Despite being a healthy eater and regular gym-goer, Mark experienced a rapid decline. He would ultimately spend time on a ventilator, develop a hole in his right lung that required surgical repair, and even experience a small stroke during the 2 months he stayed at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford.

Lively said . . .

Mark lost 54 pounds during his battle with COVID-19 and, when he was released from the hospital for in-patient rehabilitation, he was so weak that standing for even 20 seconds was a huge accomplishment. After weeks in rehab, Mark and his wife Cheryl celebrated his return home on June 18, 2021. Mark has returned to work and is enjoying life, though he continues to visit his pulmonologist regularly.

Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital's President and CEO Gordon Ferguson noted . . .

Mark noted, "After surgery on my right lung, Dr. Ward Houck called me Lazarus in reference to the Biblical man who was raised from the dead. This fall, Mark and Cheryl celebrated his 62nd birthday. Considering the near-death ordeal the couple experienced, Mark's birthday this year meant everything."

The Guardian Angel Award has special significance to the hospital's staff. It was started in 2007 as an opportunity for patients and family members to honor their physician, nurse, hospital associate or other caregiver who made a difference in their healing. 

In addition, Ascenson St. Thomas Rutherford Foundation's Guardian Angel program helps to support patients and families in need, as part of the hospital's mission to care for the poor and vulnerable in the community. This can include assistig in paying a power bill for a patient who is discharged and heading home with no electricity. It also provides expensive equipment to patients who are unable to afford it. 

Complete Interviews

Murfreesboro's Mark Lively said THANKSGIVING will be even more special this year.

In the same gathering, WGNS spoke with Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital's President and CEO Gordon Ferguson . . .