gofundme
A Florida nurse has finally returned home after spending months in hospital with a COVID-19-related illness that left him paralyzed.
Desmon Silva, 22, was working on the front lines of the pandemic at a hospital in Tampa, Florida, last summer when he contracted COVID-19.
On July 16, Desmon stopped breathing and, according to a GoFundMe, was placed on a ventilator to cover his medical expenses. He then became paralyzed from the neck down.
Two months after being tested positive for the coronavirus, Desmon was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, which is a rare disease that affects the nervous system and is usually contracted after viral infections, according to Spectrum Bay News 9.
“It was difficult. You are in a way defenseless,” his father, Jose Silva, told the news station. “Seeing him smile and joke actually gives us strength to continue his recovery.”
Desmon, who was receiving treatment for his illness in the Boston area, was eventually discharged from the hospital and flew home via Jet ICU on Monday, according to Boston 25 News.
RELATED: Mexican actor Toño Mauri leaves Florida hospital after undergoing double lung transplant due to COVID-19
Jet ICU is a company in Desmon’s hometown that uses private jets as flying ICUs, equipped with all the equipment needed for any patient. According to the local news station, Desmon offered his services – which usually cost $ 25,000 – to Desmon free of charge.
“We’re heard of the case, he’s a local, so it’s hitting home,” Jared Wayt, director of Emergency Medical Services at Jet ICU, told Boston 25. “It’s extra special when we’re able to take care of one of our own, you know, we’re all healthcare providers going through it all together.”
At the moment, it is not clear whether his paralysis is temporary or permanent, reads his GoFundMe page. However, he is making progress.
Never miss a story – sign up for PEOPLEfree weekly newsletter to get the biggest news of the week in your inbox every Friday.
In an update shared in January, it is said that he has regained the ability to sit on the edge of his bed with the help and that he has been weaned safely from some of his medicines.
“Desmon has a long way to go, but we want to give him the best chance to eliminate one obstacle at a time,” reads the update.
Despite his current obstacles, “Desmon remains full of life,” according to his loved ones who created the page.
“Desmon’s smile can light up the sky,” reads the page. ‘His giggle could make waves ripple through oceans worldwide. His zest for life can make mountains move. He will fight to get back, but he has a long way to go. ‘
As information on the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changing, PEOPLE are committed to providing the most up-to-date information in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest news on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to consult online resources of the CDC, WHO and local public health departments. PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMe to raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from the frontline response to families in need, as well as organizations that help communities. Click for more information or to donate here.