US Ebola survivors meet to discuss experiences, give thanks on 'Today'
They have a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Six American Ebola survivors met as a group for the first time Wednesday morning to discuss being involuntary members of a small club — but some details of their experiences were too painful to relive.
“I don’t think we can really compare war stories. This is a horrible experience for anybody who goes through it,” Dr. Kent Brantly said on the “Today” show.
Many of the other survivors thanked Brantly for donating his blood plasma after recuperating — to aid in their treatments.
“He’s a selfless man and he’s like our angel and gave us a second chance at life, that’s how I feel,” said Dallas nurse Nina Pham.
Video journalist Ashoka Mukpo agreed: “It’s just amazing that you gave so much to all of us. Thank you.”
Some were hesitant to join the conversation with journalist Matt Lauer, but jumped at the opportunity when they heard they would meet each other.
Nurse Amber Vinson, aid worker Nancy Writebol and Dr. Rick Sacra joined the aforementioned survivors.
“Amazing. Surreal to have us all in one room,” Pham said.
Despite the hardships, all of the survivors agreed that they would not do anything differently — except perhaps use a bit more chlorine.
The survivors do not regret their decisions to treat Ebola patients on U.S. soil or to serve in West Africa, where the deadly virus is an epidemic.
“I’d still do it,” Vinson said.
Toward the end of the interview, several survivors opened up about what they are thankful for this holiday.
“I’m thankful for all the brave men and women in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone who put their lives at risk to deal with this epidemic,” Mukpo said. “They’re the real heroes.”
Vinson told Lauer that she’s thankful for the “little things — like when I’m cooking, smelling the food as I cook, doing laundry, feeling the warmth and the smell of laundry right out of the dryer.”
Several acknowledged that there is a stigma attached with being a former Ebola patient but Writebol pointed out that she’s also received warmth and kindness from countless strangers.
“I’m thankful for God’s grace and the second chance and the opportunity just to continue to serve, possibly back in Liberia," she said.
Dr. Craig Spencer, the only other American Ebola survivor, did not participate in the interview.
Two Ebola patients died in the United States: Thomas Eric Duncan and Dr. Martin Salia.
The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa has killed 5,459 people, and at least 9,596 have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
