MEQUON — Outside of Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Ozaukee, a celebration of triumph, after spending a month in the hospital, Tom Sheffield beat COVID-19.
"I just want to thank everybody again for all their support and making this day happen," said Tom.
Tom was one of the hospital's original COVID-19 patients. At times, the staff didn't think he was going to pull through.
- Coronavirus in Wisconsin: Live Updates From Across the State
- We're Open: These Restaurants Are Still Offering Carryout And Delivery
- FULL COVERAGE: Coronavirus News And Resources You Can Use
"Tom was incredibly ill from the time he came in. He had multiple different treatments and was so incredibly critically ill at times that we didn't think he was going to make it," said Molly Kast ICU Nurse Manager.
Tom continued to fight to be reunited with his wife and family, that day came on his 30th wedding anniversary.
"Overwhelmed is what I would say," said Tom.
Before Tom left the hospital, the couple celebrated their love and renewed their wedding vows in a small private ceremony, held inside the hospital. Afterward, hospital staff and the Mequon Fire Department surprised the couple with balloons, cheers, and signs.
"We will never forget any of them. We will never forget this day our anniversary. It's the best anniversary ever," said Mary Sheffield.
Tom said his wife is his rock, but it was the compassion and love from the hospital staff that saved his life.
"I don't know what to say, when they talk about healthcare workers' compassion all of that, they exemplify all of that every day. I wish you could see that," said Tom.
Tom plans to write thank you notes to the staff members who took care of him during his road to recovery.