Survivors try to bring comfort to those living with COVID-19

Survivor Corps’ Facebook page just hit more than 100,000 members since it started earlier this year as a virtual support group for those battling COVID-19.

"People are alone, they are in isolation, they are locked down and they are scared," said Diana Berrent, Survivor Corps founder. "We need advocacy for people who are not recovering."

Berrent, from New York, tested positive for COVID-19 back in the early months of the year. Her immediate family got it as well.

While in isolation, Berrent started Survivor Corps as a resource for those living with the coronavirus to find comfort along with learning about the latest medical, scientific and academic research.

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Ever since the diagnosis, Berrent said she’s lived with health issues from COVID-19.

In Brooklyn Park, Mariya Holbrook often logs onto the site to share her experience with others and learn from those who have COVID-19.

"I have been through a gauntlet of doctors’ visits, ER visits," said Holbrook.

Back in the early months of the year, Holbrook says after returning from a family cruise she feels that she came down with COVID-19, but still lives with lingering problems.

“I’m been dealing with the residual effects, the chest pain,” Holbrook said. “It’s been very challenging."

Holbrook said she finds comfort in the group’s Facebook where others share their experiences with COVID-19.

“I’d say just try and hang on," she said. "The doctors and researchers are getting there on treatments, there’s been headway that’s been made, just hang on a long as you can."

"If somebody in February had told me what the next six months of my life was going to look like, I’d tell them to send it back to the editors for a rewrite," Berrent said. "It’s beyond comprehension in every way possible."