translated from Spanish: The poignant letter from a Brazilian doctor who died of coronavirus

Lucas Augusto Pires was a 32-year-old neurosurgeon who became infected with coronavirus working at the Institute of Saúde Bom Jesus, in the Brazilian city of Ivaipor, on the front line against this new virus. On July 27 Pires was due to be rushed to the Intensive Therapy Unit (UTI) of the Maringá Hospital, in the state of Paraná and shortly before leaving for the ICU, the 32-year-old doctor and father of two little girls left a touching farewell letter. “I am currently going to the ICU due to the worsening of my frame by COVID-19. I’ll be incommunicado, but I’ve been thanking friends for their prayers. I got it by doing what I love, taking care of my patients with love and dedication. I’d do it again. I know that my God is above all things, that his ways and purposes are always righteous and perfect, and that in the end everything contributes together for the good of those who love God, of those who are called according to their purpose. Romans 8:28. Amen,” he said.

Pires’ health continued to worsen until finally on Saturday, August 8, he was unable to resist and died from the illness caused by Sars-Cov-2.” We were sure he wouldn’t have any complications. He was only 32 years old, had no record, just a little overweight, but he wasn’t obese. Gradually the situation worsened,” Gabriela explained the doctor’s sister. “I had my whole life ahead of me, ” he added. Pires’s death caused a great shock among his colleagues at the Institute of Saúde Bom Jesus. “Neurosurgeon, Dr. Lucas leaves friends and colleagues and his time in Ivaipor, although shortened by doom, will be marked by the example of great professional dedication,” the hospital said in an official statement. Lucas Paulino, a childhood friend of the neurosurgeon, noted: “I think Lucas set an example, him as a doctor. First of all, we need to talk about the importance of healthcare professionals right now. They are honoring their oath, dedicating themselves to saving lives and risking their own lives to save others. Lucas is an example.”

In this note:

Original source in Spanish