Simcoe man back home after three months in hospital with COVID-19 complications
A 45-year-old man from Simcoe is back home after more than three months in hospital dealing with COVID-19 complications.
Mike VanNetten tested positive for COVID-19 in the spring and was in critical condition due to a secondary infection.
“I was told at least three times that he was almost to where he wasn’t coming back,” said Sarah VanNetten, Mike’s wife. “I’ve never cried so much. I’ve never known fear like that.”
Mike says it was his wife’s faith and support that helped keep him alive.
“If it wasn’t for her, she was there every day, every day,” he said. “I’m a pretty lucky guy.”
Mike was released from Hamilton General Hospital after more than 80 days in their care, with the health care team that helped him cheering him on.
“I’ve got a new appreciate for everyone at the hospital,” he said.
The Simcoe community also came together to raise more than $14,000 for the family through several fundraisers. The VanNetten’s say they plan to pay it forward and donate some of it to Hamilton general.
“I can’t thank this community enough,” said Mike.
The family is also hoping to raise awareness about how COVID-19 can impact lives.
“You don’t know who [could get it],” said Sarah. “A 45-year-old man, or someone younger in there now, that were otherwise healthy.”
Mike says he is glad to be back on the farm and is taking the recovery process day by day.
“Stairs are still my nemesis,” he said. “But we’re getting there.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.