Oklahomans Reflect On Virus’ Impact Nearly 1 Year After COVID-19 Arrived In State

This week marks one year since the first COVID-19 case was reported in Oklahoma. More than 500,000 people in the U.S. have died from COVID-19, including more than 4,000 Oklahomans.

Kristin Brown tested positive for the virus in October and spent 26 days in the hospital. Just this last week, she was able to get off oxygen. 

"I had been on oxygen 125 days, so it was quite a victory to get off of that stuff," Brown said. 

Brown said it has been a long journey, and she has relied on prayers and the kindness of others to get her through.

"I read every day about what's going on with other people that are still fighting COVID and I'm just thankful I'm still here and I'm still breathing and moving and progressing each day," Brown said. 

More than 4,000 people in the state have died from COVID-19 complications. 

Jeanie McSherry lost her father Charlie Keim three months ago, and said he is missed every day. 

"Everything is starting to settle down, and so then it starts hitting you that it's really true and he's really gone," McSherry said. 

McSherry said she is thankful for those who help keep her father's memory alive. She said while the circumstances may be different, everyone who has lost someone to COVID-19 has one thing in common: they are not alone. 

"There's hundreds of people, even in Tulsa, that have reached out for support or even in support groups and it's good to know you are not alone and have camaraderie in that," McSherry said.