Dublin health workers pay tribute to brave Irish American doctor who died of Covid-19

DUBLIN HOSPITAL staff have paid a touching tribute to a young Irish-American doctor who died after contracting Covid-19 in Houston, Texas. 

Adeline Fagan was an OB/GYN resident physician just starting the second year of her residency.

On July 8, she had gone to work a 12-hour shift in the ER. Though her work mostly involved delivering babies, that day she was on rotation in the ER, treating COVID patients. 

By the end of the shift, she was beginning to feel unwell with intense, flu-like symptoms. 

However, within a week these had escalated to the point where Adeline was admitted to hospital. 

On August 3, she was placed on ventilator in the hope that her condition would stabilise – but it didn’t.  

Within less than 24 hours Adeline underwent an invasive procedure that saw her placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. 

The procedure was designed to alleviate some of the pressure on her lungs, which were left to heal while the machine helped her breathe. 

Though Adeline held on for another month, in September she suffered a massive brain bleed. 

She passed away a few hours later, leaving behind grief-stricken friends, family and co-workers, who remembered her as a vibrant and intelligent young woman, who was known for her enthusiasm, humour and kind heart. 

Writing on a GoFundMe page now collecting donations to pay for her medical expenses, Adeline’s father, Brant Fagan, paid tribute to his brave daughter. 

" September 19, 2020, 4:24 AM Central Time,” he wrote.

“The time the world stopped for a moment and will never be the same.” 

"We want to sincerely thank all who supported Adeline and us through this difficult time,” he said. 

"You were all there cheering and praying and crying. The number of well wishes and caring people humbles us. 

"Even in this darkest of times, there are good people willing to share a piece of themselves for the sake of another.” 

"If you can do one thing, be an “Adeline” in the world,” Brant continued. 

Be passionate about helping others less fortunate, have a smile on your face, a laugh in your heart, and a Disney tune on your lips. 

"We love you, Adeline, with all our hearts." 

At the time of writing more than $190,000 had been raised to go towards Adeline’s medical bills with donations flooding in from friends, colleagues and strangers alike.

"We have lost a great physician," one donor wrote.

"Your selfless service, ultimate sacrifice and compassion towards your patients will always be remembered and shall live by all the other physicians."

"I was one of the residents on the team taking care of her when she was first admitted to the ICU," another wrote.

"I don't cry often, but I cried today."

In a show of solidarity and respect, doctors at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin took a moment to remember a fellow frontline worker with a simple message on a whiteboard. 

UCD Clinical Professor and Consultant in Emergency Medicine John Ryan shared the striking tribute on Twitter. 

"Sobering message on our thought for the day board @edsvuh,” he wrote. 

"RIP Adeline Fagan." 

Anyone wishing to donate to Adeline’s fund can do so here.