Santa Maria woman makes miraculous recovery after she and husband both catch COVID-19

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - A Santa Maria couple is recovering after catching COVID-19.

Santa Maria resident Luis Meza had just been released from Marian Hospital after catching the virus. That's when a nurse gave him terrible news about his wife Melissa.

Melissa was admitted to the ER and immediately placed on a ventilator, also after catching COVID-19. "That was just devastating to me," said Luis.

Her condition worsened. Then an ECMO machine, or blood oxygenation machine, became available. But it was at a Santa Monica hospital.

"It was pretty scary because there was a high chance she wasn't going to make the ambulance ride there," said Luis. He had to give the okay. "It was one of the hardest things I could do," he said.

One of her doctors rode the entire way to Santa Monica with her in the ambulance to ensure she was safe.

She survived and is making a miraculous recovery.

"I've been on an emotional roller coaster. We've had probably three scares where we thought we were going to lose her," said Luis.

He said he prayed over and over for her, and that his family and friends prayed with him.

After sharing updates about her on social media, people from around the world sent him encouraging messages.

A friend also set up a Go Fund Me account, raising almost 30 thousand dollars for the couple.

Neither of them have been able to work for over a month and the medical bills are high. Plus, Melissa is expected to be in the hospital at least another month, and has a long road of physical therapy ahead of her.

Luis said to "stay home. This virus is serious."

If he has one major message, it's to donate blood if you've had the virus. "That way they can extract the plasma and you can save three to five people's lives."

As for Melissa, she woke up on their anniversary.

The husband and wife FaceTime each other now. "I told her I love you, and she mouthed it back to me. And then I blew her a kiss and she blew one back. So from being completely out to this right now is incredible," he said.

At the end of every call, he never says goodbye. He always says see you soon.