Thread by @MSNBC

As we approach one year since the W.H.O officially labeled the outbreak a pandemic, @MSNBC will be highlighting viewers' stories to remember and honor victims of Covid-19, their families, and how they have inspired the country. Check back here for their stories. #COVIDOneYear

Remembering Raymond Simon • Born to Lebanese immigrants in 1926, Raymond Simon proudly served his country as a tank mechanic for the U.S. Army in World War II. When he got home, he started a career in insurance. Raymond didn’t retire until he was 85 years old.

He liked gardening, going to church, and the Buffalo Bills. But nothing brought him more joy than his family.

When his wife developed dementia and moved into assisted living, Raymond had lunch and dinner with her every single day.

Raymond Simon contracted the Coronavirus late last year and died on Christmas Day. #COVIDOneYear

Remembering Joyce V. Rose • Joyce Rose was born on the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent on April 4, 1936. She later immigrated to the U.S. with her husband in 1962. Like many nurses from the Caribbean, Joyce was recruited to the U.S. to help fill the country’s workforce shortage.

After the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, Joyce arranged for her family members to immigrate to the U.S. She generously let any extended family member who immigrated to New York in the 60s and 70s stay at her home rent-free until they got their footing.⁠

Described by her family as generous and self-sacrificing, Joyce also helped put her sister through nursing school, and was the one who everyone called when they were down on their luck. ⁠

Joyce remained in good spirits even after entering the emergency room. Her nurse told her family that she was sharing stories about her decades-long career in the same profession, until her condition rapidly declined. Joyce died of Coronavirus on May 11, 2020. #COVIDOneYear

Remembering Mohamed El-Essawi • Mohamed El-Essawi was born April 29, 1952 in Egypt. He came to the U.S. for graduate school and received his Ph.D. in Engineering from Duke University. He and his wife later moved to Michigan where Mohamed worked as an engineer for 37 years.⁠

Throughout his career in the auto industry and academia, Mohamed mentored and inspired many young engineers. He was a technical expert in his field. But as much as he loved his work, his family – a wife, two daughters, two sons-in-law and six grandchildren – was his life. ⁠

On March 10, 2020, Mohamed went to the hospital with what he thought were gall bladder issues. On March 13, he was intubated in the ICU. He died from Coronavirus eleven days later. #COVIDOneYear

Remembering Larry Kelly • Larry Kelly was born on January 30, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana. After he and his wife, Joan, married in 1965, they moved to Florida, where Larry began his career as a teacher.

Larry taught Social Studies until he retired in 1997. Throughout his career he served as the Social Studies Department chairman, was named Teacher of the Year several times, as well as Dade County’s Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year.

Larry loved America and was committed to showing his students what the country had to offer. He cared deeply about ensuring they were registered to vote, and started a Summer Court Observer Program, allowing students the opportunity to watch trials at the Dade County Courthouse.

In addition to his passion for teaching, Larry enjoyed going to the movies, reading, going out to dinner with his wife, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Larry contracted Coronavirus while in the hospital for spinal surgery. He died on September 3, 2020. #COVIDOneYear

Remembering Christine Gikanga • Christine Gikanga lived in Kenya until she moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree at Hawaii Pacific University.

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as child, pain was a constant throughout her life. But her sister says she was victorious over that pain, in both heart and mind: “She was the author of her own journey.”

Christine had the ability to “flip the script” on people coming to check-up on her – those who went to see if she was doing okay would often find themselves receiving life advice, or a brilliant business idea.

After she died of the Coronavirus, her friends raised enough money to send her back to Kenya, to be buried next to her brother and father. #COVIDOneYear

Remembering Alan Hirshman • Alan Hirshman believed in freedom and hope. Throughout his life he participated in the civil rights movement, and in the peace movement during the Vietnam War.

He was an active National Lawyers Guild member for 69 years, defending anti-war protesters and political prisoners, confronting housing discrimination and representing the disenfranchised and those who were wrongfully accused.

While not practicing law, Alan loved playing tennis and bridge. He also enjoyed going to the theater, dining out and music, especially jazz.

He was a New Yorker through and through and could share a Manhattan or Brooklyn restaurant recommendation based on any location, cuisine and price.

Alan died of complications from Coronavirus in April 2020, three weeks before his 90th birthday. #COVIDOneYear