My name is Samantha, and I am alive today because of research from the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC). In 2020, I contracted COVID-19 and was placed in the ICU, sedated, and on a ventilator. At the time, there were no known treatments and after turning the ventilator to the highest setting failed to oxygenate my blood, the outlook was grim. My ex-husband and three adult children, aged 29, 27, and 24, were beside themselves as there was nothing they could do other than speak to the doctors daily about my condition. I was so blessed to have my family fight for me!

In an attempt to save my life, I received an experimental treatment that was in development at the ONPRC for the treatment of COVID-19. Within 24 hours of starting that treatment, my ventilator was turned down to minimum, and I was able to be taken off the ventilator only 28 hours later.

I am living proof that the research at ONPRC saves lives. I implore everyone to do what they can to maintain this research center so that the research performed there can save the lives of others in the future. I’m thankful every day for the extra six years I have been given, celebrating especially on April 5th (my birthday) when I was taken off the ventilator. I have been blessed to enjoy my 18-month-old granddaughter and witness my son marry the love of his life this past February. I don’t take my life for granted and I’ve experienced how, in the blink of an eye, your life can be over quickly. I will always be thankful for the research conducted at the ONPRC and to UCLA for saving my life not once but twice. My family is happy to still have their mom amongst them. I’m so thankful for OHSU/ONPRC, because of their research, I’m alive!

— Samantha M. (Orange County, CA)

:)