The coronavirus continues to spread all over the world. Everyone is encouraged to stay home and many cities around the U.S. is put into lockdown.
As many already know, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk during the ongoing pandemic.
But the virus is hitting all age groups and unfortunately, news of tragic deaths is reported from all over the globe.
Now, an unbelievable family tragedy is gaining a lot of attention in the media and reading this really broke my heart.
It all started when Rita Fusco-Jackson, a 55-year-old religion teacher died Friday, becoming New Jersey’s second coronavirus victim.
A Facebook post from the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Ballarmine in Freehold, New Jersey named her and asked the public for support.
“I ask that every member of the parish please remember the Fusco-Jackson family in their prayers as they deal with the loss of Rita and for all who have been impacted by COVID-19 here in the parish and throughout the nation,” the post read.
Unfortunately, the Fusco family would suffer more tragedy.
On Wednesday, two family members of Rita reportedly lost their lives from the illness.
Grace Fusco, 73, Rita’s mom died in a hospital Wednesday night.
According to The New York Times, Grace was the the matriarch of the large Fusco family. Among other things, she was the mother of 11 children.
Grace died without ever knowing that her oldest daughter passed away before her.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Grace’s oldest son, Carmine, also passed away on Wednesday this week. He died at a Pennsylvania hospital.
“This has been devastating for all of us,” Fusco-Jackson’s sister, Elizabeth Fusco, had told NJ.com after the family’s first death.
“Our hearts are broken over losing our sister, Rita. We just need help saving our family members with life-saving medication. ”
Five family members remain at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, where Rita Fusco-Jackson died. Four are in critical condition, and one is in stable condition.
Nineteen spouses and children have now been tested for the virus, some of them are currently in isolation at their homes.
“If not on a respirator, quarantined,” Fodera told The New York Times.
“It’s so pitiful,” she added. “They could even mourn the way you would.”
The doctor suspects that the virus spread after a family gathering, not long ago.
This is so awful. Prayers for those family members who are now fighting for their lives 🙏🙏🙏.