I’m a behavior analyst and have worked with individuals with special needs for more than 20 years. I entered the field after my son was diagnosed with autism in 2004. Tony was 55 years old and worked as a physical therapist assistant. Tony was a devoted husband, father, and advocate who played an important role in the lives of our family and community.
Tony tested positive for COVID-19 on August 6, 2021. When his breathing worsened, he contacted his doctor and was prescribed steroids. He was told to remain home unless his condition worsened and couldn’t breathe. On August 15, after his oxygen level had fallen into the 80s, his doctor instructed us to go to the hospital. She said we couldn’t get oxygen to the house even though his oxygen right then was 93%. She still sent him.