(WXYZ) — Friends, family, and colleagues at Henry Ford Hospital are mourning the loss of a nurse who worked on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19.
Lisa Ewald was described as a bubbly character, full of energy. The news about her sudden death has sent shock waves through family, friends and the medical community.
"She dedicated her life to obviously healthcare and helping other people, but also to my grandmother," said Candace Ewald, Lisa's niece.
Candace Ewald still can’t believe her aunt is gone.
"We do live separate. but we kept in touch a lot and she was amazing. I never saw her in a bad mood," said Candace.
Lisa’s friend Joseph Lenard says Lisa was always willing to help out and go above and beyond for anyone. He says he knew Lisa had an underlying health condition but still went to work trying to help others.
"More needs to be done to protect our doctors and nurses on the front line, because they don’t do us any good if they end up on the ventilator in a bed next to us," said Lenard.
"There needs to be something that you can do. That we can do. I know that we’re not the country we are without being able to do something," said Candace.
The news of Lisa’s death came as a shock for those who loved her as she worked on the front lines fighting COVID-19.
"We all knew the initial news that this was going to hit the U.S but she gave no care or concern for herself but only care and concern for others," said Lenard.
Henry Ford Hospital sent us a statement that reads in part “There are not adequate words to describe how saddened we are. Our hearts ache for our employee’s family, friends and colleagues. As healthcare providers on the front lines of this pandemic, we know we are not immune to it’s traumatic effects”
Candace and Jospeh says Lisa’s death is an example of the tireless work healthcare workers are doing day in and day out, fighting this pandemic straight on.
They are like military. They are selfless, they are heroes they are out there on a different front line," said Joseph.
"She just loved the family and she just loved everybody and she just wanted to make sure everybody was o.k all the time. She always wanted to make sure everybody was okay," said Candace.
Candace and Joseph say more needs to be done to take care and protect our healthcare workers on the front line
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