LEWISTON, N.Y. — Dale Kobler waited in his car in front of Kenmore Mercy Hospital for the others to arrive.

What You Need To Know

  • Debra Kobler went home after spending three months in a hospital recovering from COVID-19
  • She spent six weeks in a coma, and has to learn how to walk again after complications
  • Kobler urges people to take COVID-19 seriously and follow safety precautions
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"It's almost surreal," he said. "It's been just about three months."

Three of the most draining and difficult months you could imagine, but on this day, it was happiness he felt.

Family and friends joined him in anticipation of the moment — the moment she came out the door.

You see, Dale's wife of 10 years, Debra, was heading home after spending the past three months in four different hospitals while dealing with devastating effects of COVID-19.

After both of them contracted the virus, it hit Debra much harder. She started at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, then moved to Sisters of Charity St. Joseph Campus, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, and finally Kenmore Mercy.

For six weeks she was in a coma, and now she's learning how to walk again after complications in her brain. 

The medical staff who've help her through the struggles wheeled her out the front door of the hospital, where Dale was waiting and family members cheered loudly.

Husband and wife embraced — a hug they hoped for through all the uncertainty. 

"It was amazing. It was the best feeling ever," Dale said. "I've said right along it's the second best day of my life. The first was when she married me, so it's amazing.”

"I don't really even realize the impact I had on everyone's life," Debra said "It's still astounding to me. So many people are coming out to support." 

Even her 92-year-old mother Mary Fabrizio was there to celebrate and hold her daughter's hand.

"Oh, it was unreal. My heart just stopped beating here. It was wonderful,” Fabrizio said. 

"For her to make it there, it was such an incredible gift," Debra said.

Before going home, the couple drove past the place they both work — Bureau Veritas in Amherst — where co-workers greeted them with signs and cheers of encouragement and well wishes. 

"I couldn't believe they all came out. I just couldn't believe it," Debra said. 

After a stop to pick up lunch at McDonald's (Debra's choice) they arrived back home in Lewiston. Debra's made many strides, and she'll have many more to go as she works to get stronger with the help of physical therapists.

She doesn't remember much of her hospital stay, but thanks the staff at Kenmore Mercy for guiding her through it. 

And she wants to make sure others understand just how serious COVID-19 can be.  

"It's brutal. So many people are sick and dying and they don't realize the impact that it's going to have on their lives," she said. 

Debra feels fortunate to share that message — and have another Thanksgiving with loved ones.

"Legitimately she's a miracle because for her to be sitting here and talking with you at home, it's just amazing," Dale said. 

"I just have so much to be thankful for and so excited to be with my family," Debra said.