COVID Patient Released from Emanuel after 78 Days

Emanuel Medical Center was thrilled to release one of its patients who had spent more than two months in the hospital.

Sam Garcia Garnica, 50, of Turlock, was released from Emanuel Medical Center on Sept. 17, 2020, after spending 78 days in the hospital battling and surviving COVID-19.

Emanuel team members lined the hallways to cheer and clap for Sam as he was released to his family.

“I’m so grateful. They are like my second family now,” Sam said of his time at Emanuel. “I feel like I’ve earned my second chance to live. They did a very good job of making me feel like I was worth it. My family, my friends, all of you guys, make me feel like I want to stay alive. I want to keep going.”