Yolanda Coar, an Augusta University nurse manager, passed away due to COVID-19 complications.
“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Yolanda Coar today due to unforeseen complications from COVID-19,” wrote Coar’s family in a prepared statement.
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After the nurse was admitted Augusta University Medical Center on July 19, a GoFundMe page was started.
“We’re mobilizing to help support this beautiful family with their many mounting expenses including hospital bills, future treatments, childcare, and beyond,” the statement continued.
The fundraiser was initially activated to financially support The Coar family as she received treatment for COVID-19. Periodically, families would update contributors on the progress of her condition. On Aug. 3, the page reported that the beloved medical professional successfully was breathing without a ventilator or breathing tube.
The update reads, “This woman [Yolanda Coar] is ready to fight for her recovery and return home to her loved one.”
However, suddenly her recovery took an unexpected turn for the worst, and six days later she was pronounced dead. She leaves behind her two sons, Maddox Coar (4) and Evan Coar (8), and her husband, Matt Coar.
“The last thing any of us want is for financial stress to be added to what is an already incredibly challenging time. Anything leftover will be put into a college fund for the boys,” said her family’s statement.
READ MORE: Coronavirus pandemic exposes America’s shortage of nurses, nursing resources
Coar is remembered by Dr. Phillip Coule, her other colleagues, and patients, as a nurse manager accountable for the care of more than 40 patients a day.
In the span of less than a month, Yolanda Coar, a Black woman and mother, went from treating people on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a patient and dying at her former place of employment, reported People Magazine.
“This is an unfortunate reminder in the community that this virus is real, and it affects real people every day,” Dr. Coule, chief medical officer for Augusta University Medical Health.
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