# Tony’s COVID-19 Hospitalization and His Wife’s Advocacy - Original post: https://www.twitter.com/i/status/2105005078902108297 - Source account: [@VigilantFox](https://x.com/VigilantFox) - Source language: English - Duration: 6:26 - Published: 2026-09-30 - Canonical URL: https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy ## Transcript [0:00](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy) Tony tested positive for COVID-19 on August 6th, 2021. [0:05](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=5) When his breathing worsened seven days later, he was-- he contacted his doctor and he was prescribed steroids. [0:13](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=13) Prior to that, there was no early treatment. [0:17](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=17) He was told to remain home unless his condition worsened and couldn't breathe. [0:21](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=21) On August 15th, after his oxygen level had fallen into the 80s, his doctor instructed us to go to the hospital. [0:29](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=29) She said we couldn't get oxygen to the house even though his oxygen right then was 93%. She still sent him. [0:42](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=42) I drove him. It's the worst mistake of my life. [0:51](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=51) For the first five days, visitors were prohibited even though we had waited for hours in a crowded emergency room. Makes no sense. [1:02](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=62) Tony's oxygen level was initially around 94 to 95%. [1:07](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=67) He texted me that staff said his levels were acceptable, but needed a reason to keep him overnight. [1:13](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=73) Records I later reviewed showed he was then given remdesivir, including a double dose. [1:20](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=80) On day two, his records showed kidney failure and a possible heart attack, but we were never informed during his hospitalization. [1:28](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=88) Tony said staff rarely entered his room. [1:31](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=91) He was lonely, he was frightened, and he focused constantly on breathing. [1:40](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=100) These patients were so brave. I just need to say that. [1:44](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=104) Every day... [1:52](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=112) Yeah. Every day, I requested permission to visit him and ask for treatments, including monoclonal antibodies, high-dose vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, and ivermectin. The doctors refused, saying the treatments were unapproved, unavailable, or wouldn't work. [2:12](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=132) I left messages for doctors daily. Nobody returned my calls until day five. [2:20](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=140) After 10 days in the hospital, the doctor said to him, "There are no more COVID meds." [2:28](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=148) But then another angel doctor, my husband called her an angel doctor, ordered ivermectin. [2:35](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=155) Tony, at that time, was receiving 100% high-flow oxygen and using a rebreather mask. [2:43](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=163) Within three days of taking ivermectin, 12 milligrams only, he improved enough to come off high-flow oxygen and was only on six liters of regular oxygen. [2:56](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=176) Then they casually told him he might go home within a day or two and we have to get him down to three liters. [3:03](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=183) The day before getting ivermectin, he was told, I said that already, "There are no more COVID meds. [3:09](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=189) We have done the protocol. There is nothing more we can do," was the exact quote. [3:15](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=195) They told my husband he is not going to make it. [3:18](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=198) He texted me that. He was a hostage in that hospital. [3:24](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=204) Early the next morning, Tony woke up with shortness of breath and he repeatedly pressed the nurse call button, but no one answered. [3:32](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=212) The nurse apologized that they were all at lunch. [3:37](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=217) Then they sent him to ICU and then, when ivermectin and breathing treatments stopped. [3:47](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=227) Are you no- are you guys noticing today the stories? [3:51](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=231) Isn't there a common theme here? Cheap, effective treatment was withheld or stopped. [3:58](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=238) They continued to pressure him to accept ventilation, telling him he needed to, quote, "Rest his lungs." We've all heard that before. [4:08](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=248) The head ICU doctor told me to, quote, "Stay in my lane" after asking for ivermectin again. [4:15](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=255) They never allowed him to have it again. [4:18](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=258) After they put him on a ventilator, they punctured his lungs. [4:23](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=263) Tony died on September 9th, 2021. Every single doctor's note on his medical records says unvaccinated male. [4:34](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=274) In the end, his heart and kidneys failed. [4:37](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=277) I watched the monitors myself. One day, he texted me that he had seen five body bags pass his room. [4:45](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=285) The final five days, he texted me, "Why are they not bringing me food?" [4:52](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=292) He struggled to receive water, ice, and basic care. [4:56](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=296) He was not placed in a hospital gown the entire time until the final hour of his life. [5:01](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=301) He begged to be bathed or brush his teeth. [5:05](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=305) Tony contacted AHCA, Agency for Healthcare Administration. [5:10](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=310) He emailed the governor and the news media, but he received no response. [5:15](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=315) So I responded. I created a documentary called Making a Killing to tell his story and others to help prevent others from suffering. [5:26](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=326) Tony suffered terribly as-- and suffocated slowly. [5:35](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=335) I continue to ask, where was his right to try? [5:39](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=339) Our family deserves answers, accountability, transparency, and assurance that no patient will endure what Tony endured. [5:49](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=349) I am a widow warrior, and I won't stop. [6:02](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=362) Finish the story. Just tell them, tell them that it's- I won't stop. [6:14](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=374) I won't stop sharing his story and others so that this never happens again. We are here today to res- represent everyone, everyone that died. [6:24](https://www.translate.mom/transcript/9qzZ8GyJsT0k/en/tony-s-covid-19-hospitalization-and-his-wife-s-advocacy?t=384) Thank you.