Utah Family Turns to Good Friday Fast To Deal With Coronavirus Grief
Apr 10, 2020, 5:36 PM | Updated: 6:21 pm
WEST JORDAN, Utah – As many families turn to prayer and fasting for loved ones affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps no Utah family has been impacted more than the Melendez family in West Jordan. They lost a 24-year-old daughter to the virus, which has sickened many other family members.
The family’s recovery was far from over as are joined millions from all faiths for a global fast on Good Friday to look for relief from the virus that has devastated them.
“Losing my daughter was very hard,” said Marcos Melendez.
It has been nearly two weeks since his only daughter, Silvia, died from COVID-19.
“Last night when I went to bed, I just couldn’t sleep and I thought about my daughter and I just prayed,” Melendez said.
It was a prayer echoed by millions of others around the world who are fasting with a special purpose.
“The most important thing is that we are doing this fast for the whole world. Those who are suffering right now from the coronavirus,” Melendez said.
Melendez, his sons and his wife, Silvia, who was also hospitalized, were home recovering Friday as their hearts healed from suddenly losing Silvia.
“I couldn’t even say goodbye to my daughter or give her a hug, nothing. Everything was so fast but I am glad that my wife was right next to her in her last hour when she was fighting,” Melendez said.
As Easter weekend drew near, he pleaded for families to avoid large gatherings.
“Stay home. I think that’s the best medicine. We don’t take a chance of getting sick or of getting someone else sick because anybody can have this,” Melendez said.
His family remembered Silvia as loving with a special place in her heart for her dog Lilo.
Melendez said he was missing his daughter Thursday night when Lilo snuggled close to him.
“Last night she [Lilo] was right next to me so I knew that she [Silvia] was here,” he said. “She is really happy about what we’re doing right now as a family to join the whole world in fasting.”
Silvia was part of the vulnerable population as she suffered from diabetes and had heart surgery two years ago.
Her family encouraged everyone who is experiencing symptoms to be tested for the virus.
A GoFundMe account* has been created to help cover funeral and medical expenses for the Melendez family.
*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
Coronavirus Resources
- Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.
- What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
- What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
- Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
- The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
- Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?
How Do I Prevent It?
The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:
- Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
How To Get Help
If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.
Additional Resources
If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.
