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Mendoza opens up about her brother’s health after COVID: “Please get vaccinated the first chance you get”

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Illinois

* Comptroller Susana Mendoza was recently asked on Chicago Tonight about her brother, Chicago Police Det. Sgt. Joaquin Mendoza…

Back in November, I called him on his birthday to wish him a happy birthday and he had a cough. Two days later - he’s only 56 - he was at Northwestern Memorial Hospital fighting for his life for 41 days. And then about a month later - a month he spent in an inpatient rehab - he’s had tremendous complications. He’s suffered mini strokes in his brain while he was in the hospital. Total, complete kidney failure, so he’ll be on dialysis for the rest of his life.

And I share it because I think it’s important for people to know that when we hear about a 99% survival rate, you know, think about my brother’s situation. Sure he survived, and it’s a blessing for us, but it breaks my heart to see the complications for somebody who’s dedicated his life to public service and to protecting the public as he’s going through this. And it’s no joke. This is very real, and we’re thankful that he’s still with us, but many people are going through something similar. Many people have lost their loved ones. And I seriously, both as a sister and as a comptroller, you know, when we have to order things like body bags, it really hits close to home. And I just ask people, please get vaccinated the first chance you get. Please, do everything to protect yourself and protect your loved ones and let’s get through this together.

* Phil Ponce then mentioned that Mendoza’s brother has moved in with her…

I would just say it’s pretty devastating. And I’m so thankful that I can take care of my brother right now when he needs me. There’s so many families who probably feel completely overwhelmed. And I was one of them. I mean, honestly, I never thought I’d tell you that the easiest part of my life right now is managing billions in state debt, but it truly is. I feel so confident and sure of what I’m doing as the comptroller, but it’s certainly a lot heavier of a lift to try to keep my brother healthy. That’s where we’re at. Thank you for asking. I mean, it is something that I can relate to and I know that we’re not alone. Lots of families in Illinois and across the country are going through similar or even worse scenarios with having lost loved ones. But, it’s real and I just ask you to take care of yourselves, please.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:36 am

Comments

Best wishes to Comptroller Mendoza and her family. We are very lucky to have her as a leader in our state’s government. I hope her brother is able to recover from this devastating illness.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:47 am
I was diagnosed 4 months ago and still can’t breath right and still haven’t recovered all of my sense of smell

Comment by SWIL_Voter Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:49 am
Opponents can spin numbers and logic all they want but masking up and getting vaccinated has always come down to compassion for our fellow humans. I feel bad for those who can’t see beyond their personal bubble and even worse for the victims of their selfishness.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 10:49 am
health and strength to all who struggle with this issue especially, and to Susana and her entire family.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:15 am
It’s unfortunate that the comptroller has to ask people to individually “protect yourself” because local, state, and federal governments have their hands tied and cannot intervene in situations like this. Unfortunately, an individualist approach to public health will always leave out working and poor people who don’t have the economic freedom to protect themselves.

Comment by Incandenza Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:16 am
Getting my Fauci ouchie today. Blessings to Comptroller Mendoza and her brother.

Comment by Nick Name Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:22 am
Susana, you and I know each other for over 20 years. I met Joaquin in the waiting line when you first filed to run for State Rep….He is an outstanding man and from the bottom of my heart, I wish him and all in your family the best. Joaquin que te recuperes y que la virgen este contigo.

Comment by Moi Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:24 am
Prayers for the comptroller and her family. I have read that about 30% of COVID survivors have some type of long term impact. These stories need to be covered more in the media now that we are opening up and people are acting like they no longer need to take precautions.

Comment by illinifan Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:25 am
Did not know the extent of her brother’s issues with COVID but am not surprised she stepped up when it came to his care. She is a strong woman who continues to do a good job as Comptroller. Prayers up for her brother and those committed to his future care and recovery.

Comment by Original Rambler Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:29 am
Most likely he caught it on his job. I hope he is able to be compensated for this.

Comment by DuPage Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:50 am
Yes, speculation that COVID will end up being a major event for permanent disability. Wear your mask, get your shot, keep socially distant. It is far from over.

Comment by Groundhog Day Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 11:56 am
God bless the Mendoza family.

Comment by Pierce Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 12:47 pm
My sincere best wishes to the entire Mendoza family.

If you were to talk to doctors and nurses during this pandemic, especially at its most dire and peak in hospitalizations, the stories they tell, not of their (medical personnel) trials and downs, it seems discussion always finds it way to families, and the long haulers and the medical hurdles we read here, including stroke or worse.

They will remind you that it’s unknown how you or anyone will handle infection. It’s an unlucky roll of a dice that changes lives for a long time, or for always.

You wear a mask for others. You don’t know how others can carry or handle infection, no one is guaranteed an easy infection or recovery, or how long the damage can linger.

My heart goes out to the Mendoza family. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers… with all who have felt the pain of this pandemic.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 1:56 pm
I wish the best for Susana, and her brother. It shows just how deadly and dangerous the virus can be.

Comment by Tinman Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 2:19 pm
I wish all those affected by the lingering effects of Covid well.

The viral effects will remain as a chronic condition for many…sadly.

Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 2:56 pm
My heart goes out to the family and I love our comptroller. She’s a standup woman and I’m wishing her brother, such a public servant, a full recovery. God bless them

Comment by Saluki Babe Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 6:26 pm
Wishing Joaquin the best and a speedy recovery from the QC.

Comment by Occasionally Moderated Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 6:50 pm
This is scary. I used to work at a dialysis company and hope that they eventually come up with a cure. I have one dose and can’t wait to get my second one.

Comment by Jason Thursday, Mar 25, 21 @ 9:51 pm