Amongst the thousands of lives this virus has taken from us over the past year, Elena is surely a beacon of hope. If you were caught up with the confusion and uncertainties of last year, you probably may have missed this one. So, to kickstart the year on a positive note…read on.

Elena, a 104-year-old woman in Spain recovered from the Coronavirus after being treated in Madrid’s Gregorio Manaro Hospital. In a video released by the hospital, the Covid-19 survivor was applauded by enthusiastic hospital staff as she was brought out in a wheelchair. She was all smiles whilst thanking the staff.

Elena receiving cheers and applause from hospital staff (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIG9T6tFJ6g&t=28s)

Elena’s doctor, Alvaro Alejandre de Ona, said, that her age was initially a concern but he added that she was a survivor.  Elena had overcome influenza last year, and a bout of pneumonia due to Covid-19 this year. Dr. Alvaro also talked about how treating Elena was such an honour. He was glad she was able to return home after recovering well. “It’s always joyful to see something like this end well”, Dr. Alvaro said.

“I wish you all health”, Elena exclaimed to the hospital staff. When asked if she would remember the doctors and nurses at the hospital, she said, “Of course. Much health, may everything get fixed. For the better.”

Her triumph over the virus has sparked hope in people all over the world, with netizens on Facebook and Twitter cheering her recovery on. Debra Gail Pattison tweeted, “Lovely to see some positive news x”. Kellee Masters on Facebook commented, “You Go Elena! Bless her heart! What a woman!!”

Elena has showed us that resilience does indeed matter in this fight against Covid-19.

Facebook-ers in admiration! (Source: https://m.facebook.com/CBSNews/)

Tweets in praise of Elena’s triumph. (Source:https://twitter.com/SkyNews)