Ricky Crenshaw: Surviving the Unseen Battleground

Interviewed by: Huyen Nguyen

In the corridors of life, there are stories that transcend the ordinary, stories that paint a picture of resilience in the face of adversity, and stories that inspire us to keep fighting even when the odds seem insurmountable.

Introducing Ricky Crenshaw, a 62-year-old native of Alabama, retired from a fulfilling career in construction and the ministry, and a devoted family man with two sons and a granddaughter. Ricky, an enthusiast of horseback riding and motorcycles, saw his dynamic and active life abruptly halted due to COVID.

During a visit to his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in Pennsylvania, Ricky's health began to decline. With worsening symptoms, an ambulance rushed him to the hospital with a staggering oxygen level of 23%. The diagnosis revealed the Delta strain of COVID, prompting a dire call to Ricky's wife, Stacy, conveying the gravity of the situation.

This marked the commencement of the most significant battle in Ricky's life. He endured 35 days in a medically-induced coma within the critical care unit. Following the stabilization of his oxygen levels, Ricky spent an additional 30 days in a step-down recovery unit. Stacy was by his side as an unwavering pillar of support, praying for healing everyday. His hospital stay extended to a total of 82 days before he was granted permission to return home to Alabama.

Returning home, Ricky faced the complex aftermath of COVID. Physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges became a daily reality, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of the virus. His respiratory capacity rapidly declined, and a COVID-induced brain fog rendered his short-term memory nearly non-existent. Additionally, he faced the loss of his ability to walk. Ricky described the cognitive struggles, stating, "When I'm talking, I may just go blank because I don't remember. It's as if my brain shuts down. It's not that I don't remember. My brain just stops working."

Presently, Ricky struggles with lingering symptoms of long COVID. However, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and finding solace in the support of family and prayer. When asked for advice to share with others facing similar challenges, Ricky offered the following insights:

• Remain Calm, In the face of COVID symptoms, resist the urge to panic. Instead, prioritize scheduling an appointment with your doctor to gain a comprehensive understanding of your condition.

• Seek Information, Leverage the resources available on the internet to gather information about long COVID. This proactive approach can aid in identifying strategies to manage and, ideally, alleviate the symptoms.

• Early Intervention, Ricky advocates against waiting for symptoms to worsen beyond treatable measures. Promptly seek medical attention to address the symptoms at their early stages.

• Open Communication, Engage in open conversations with your doctor, and share relevant information with your family and friends. Whether they are experiencing long COVID or have never had COVID, spreading awareness fosters informed understanding and enhances the likelihood of effective management.

Ricky stresses the significance of early action, information-seeking, and building a supportive network to navigate the complexities of long COVID.

Acclinate and UAB Collaboration:

Acclinate, a digital health company committed to improving health equity, joined forces with the UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center to create a transformative partnership. Beyond scientific research, this collaboration emphasizes trust, empathy, and community engagement. Together, they provided a platform for real voices, enabling individuals like Ricky to share their long COVID experiences authentically.

Voices to Vaxx - A Crucial Component:

Voices to Vaxx, an integral part of the NIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL), played a pivotal role in this partnership. CEAL, an initiative responding to the urgent need for accurate COVID-19 information, aims to provide communities, especially those disproportionately affected, with the knowledge and support to manage the disease. Through Voices to Vaxx, Acclinate, UAB, and CEAL created a nationwide effort to engage communities, showcasing the power of collaboration.

Turning Challenges Into Advocacy:

Ricky's openness about his diagnosis became a powerful advocacy tool. From social media to participating in UAB's research outreach, he shared the untold struggles of long COVID, dispelling myths, and offering a glimpse into the often-overlooked mental and emotional scars. Ricky's journey turned into a force for change, contributing to ongoing conversations and research about long COVID.

Dispelling Myths and Providing Support:

The partnership between Acclinate, UAB, and Voices to Vaxx has had a profound impact on individuals and communities struggling with long COVID. By sharing authentic stories like Ricky's, this collaboration dispels myths surrounding the condition, provides accurate information, and fosters a sense of community for those often feeling isolated.

The Power of Collective Resilience:

Ricky's story resonates with anyone facing long COVID, emphasizing the need for faith, a strong support system, and a community that understands the challenges. Through collective resilience, the partnership between Acclinate, UAB, and Voices to Vaxx showcases the strength that emerges when communities unite to combat adversity.

The Intersection of UAB, Acclinate & Voices to Vaxx

Ricky's Perspective: When asked about Acclinate's partnership with UAB and his participation in Voices to Vaxx, Ricky emphasized their instrumental role in bringing his story to light. These collaborations fostered trust within the community, allowing untold stories like his to be shared authentically. Through CEAL in Alabama, Acclinate, UAB, and Voices to Vaxx joined forces to share accurate information about COVID-19 and ways to manage the disease.

Collaborative Benefits: Ricky highlighted how the collaboration between Acclinate, UAB, and Voices to Vaxx created a platform for individuals like him to share experiences. By doing so, they raise awareness about long COVID, its challenges, and the importance of early intervention. This partnership empowers communities to access accurate information and support for dealing with long COVID.

As we navigate the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ricky's journey serves as a reminder of the resilience found within the human spirit. The partnership between Acclinate, UAB, and Voices to Vaxx emerges as a guiding light, illuminating the path toward understanding, support, and collective strength. In the collaborative efforts to raise awareness about long COVID, we find hope, inspiration, and a shared commitment to overcoming the unseen battles that lie ahead.