GLENDALE, AZ — A Valley man is devastated after his girlfriend died from COVID-19 shortly after giving birth to twins.
It’s been a month since the twins were born. They are still at Banner Estrella Medical Center after being delivered eight weeks early.
Their father, Manuel Medina, has been visiting them every day. "I want to tell her thank you for everything; thank you for the three babies I have,” says Medina.
Medina says he has found some peace knowing she thought to deliver their twin babies before passing away.
"They will know who she is; they will remember her,” says Medina.
Medina first tested positive for COVID-19 at the end of December. His pregnant girlfriend, Veronica Bernal, developed symptoms days later. She was ultimately admitted to Banner Estrella Medical Center, where she also tested positive. Doctors recommended she deliver the babies eight weeks early. They stressed it was the best chance for survival.
“She was having so much trouble breathing with the twins in there. It was putting a lot of strain on her. The babies wouldn't have made it if they waited until the delivery date,” says Medina.
The babies were born January 6, healthy and COVID-free. Bernal, who was already dealing with gestational diabetes, was placed on a ventilator. Things improved before turning worse.
“I was supposed to go see her; I didn't even make it to my car. They called me and told me she had passed,” says Medina.
Bernal passed away January 25, leaving Medina to care for their three children. Their first born, 10-month-old Christopher, is now a big brother to the one-month-old twins, Manuel Jr. and Mariyah Mia. The hospital is expected to release them soon.
“When I go over there, I hold them. If it's their feeding time, I feed them. I mean, change diapers, I do everything a parent does,” says Medina.
Medina is getting help from his family but knows that now, more than ever, he needs to stay strong.
"The only thing that's keeping me going is my kids,” says Medina.
There will be many expenses once the twins are released from the hospital. If you would like to help the family, visit their GoFundMe page.
