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Grateful COVID survivor give thanks months after being placed on ventilator during pregnancy

Posted at 2:40 PM, Nov 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-26 21:23:33-05

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - On this holiday, some extra thanks for a Clairemont family, months after an expectant mother was placed on a ventilator from COVID-19.

"This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful to be here with my family," said Ashley Duque.

That family includes Ashley, her husband Diego, their daughter Anna, 3, and the newest addition, three-month-old Lucas.

"He came out our miracle baby," said Ashley.

The miracle emerged from a pandemic. In March, 17 weeks into her pregnancy, Ashley was hospitalized with coronavirus, before being placed on a ventilator for five days.

"It was very, very scary," said Ashley.

She spoke to ABC 10News from her hospital bed while recovering. Ashley was discharged after more than two weeks, but she would be back for nine different surgeries from complications from the COVID-19 treatment.

Most of the surgeries involved removing scar tissue in her throat caused by her time on the ventilator.

Then in August, Ashley was back in the hospital, as she went into labor three weeks early.

"I was nervous and scared," said Ashley.

Despite her COVID battle and her other health issues, Lucas Duque was born August 25, weighing 6 pounds, 6 ounces. He was healthy.

"We’re just very blessed that nothing happened to him," said Ashley.

On this Thanksgiving holiday, there is a mix of emotions. Ashley is still having issues with the scar tissue, but Ashley and Diego are feeling an overwhelming feeling of gratitude.

"In a flip of coin, anything can happen. Just very grateful to have my family with me. They are my world," said Diego.

"Learned to cherish every moment. Definitely our most grateful Thanksgiving ever," said Ashley.