Last Thursday, Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Ga., announced the release of Ebola patients Dr. Kent Brantly and missionary Nancy Writebol. Brantly and Writebol were transported to America for treatment earlier this month after they contracted the deadly Ebola virus while serving at a hospital in Liberia.
Senior Victoria Snell is Brantly’s first cousin and said her whole family was overjoyed to hear the news.
“Week after week we have been, just as that hymn goes, ‘standing in awe of God’ through his continual healing, through his continual power, through his continual love,” Snell said. “As soon as I saw the news (that) morning about him being released those lyrics popped into my mind and I can’t stop singing them.”
According to The Washington Post, Brantly and Writebol were treated experimentally with a drug called ZMapp. Both drastically improved and underwent numerous blood and urine tests to make sure there were no traces of the virus left in their systems before they were released.
In a statement following his release, Brantly said he was glad his illness had attracted so much attention to the plight of those suffering from Ebola in Liberia. He urged political leaders “to do everything possible to bring this Ebola outbreak to an end.”
When Brantly and Writebol were initially transported back into the states, many Americans were concerned about the risk of contamination. Prior to their arrival, Ebola had never touched American soil.
“A lot of people were concerned about it being contagious,” Snell said. “It was kind of different for us because instead of watching the story on the news and thinking about the people affected and trying to put ourselves in their shoes, it was us. We just wanted him home because we knew he would receive the best care here. That was our prayer from the beginning.”
Assistant nursing professor Karen Kelley described symptoms of Ebola as similar to those found in any common virus, but with the dangerous potential for hemorrhaging. Kelley said the disease is spread through contact with any bodily fluids, and some theorize that it continues to spread as African families prepare their deceased for burial.
Kelley said in spite of the negative attention the Ebola patients’ transportation received, the actual risks involved in their treatment were virtually nonexistent because they were so well quarantined.
“I really think there was no risk to the American public,” Kelley said. “It wasn’t a regular hospital room they were in, that was a highly specialized unit with trained professionals who are experienced with taking care of patients with diseases that are concerning and potentially contagious.”
After both Brantly and Writebol were transported to America, Snell said that this answer to her family’s many prayers was often met with hateful comments from those who disagreed with their return.
“People said ‘how dare they bring them back here?’ but they are American citizens — it should be a priority,” Snell said. “It was hard not to get discouraged by comments like that. It gave us a new perspective on loving our enemies.”
Snell said that out of this ordeal has come an unexpected blessing: more people will know about the needs of Ebola victims in Liberia.
“Not a lot of people knew about it before, and now people are more aware,” Snell said. “Kent wanted people to be more aware of how much help and prayer was needed.”
Snell said that she was amazed by Brantly’s humility and willingness to submit to God’s will throughout his experience fighting the disease. When the treatment was initially delivered to the patients, there was only enough available for one person. Brantly insisted that Writebol receive the treatment first. Snell said this is a perfect example of Brantly’s continuous selflessness.
“He truly embodies living like Jesus,” Snell said. “It has been incredible to claim him as my relative because he has set such a high example of Christian living.”
