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Komen LA’s Mark Pilon Recovering From COVID-19, Urges Others ‘To Be Smart’

As the executive director of Susan G. Komen Los Angeles, Mark Pilon has a passion for helping those in need. But just a few weeks ago, Mark and his wife of 40 years found themselves in need of help. 

The two had contracted COVID-19 and required emergency care.

Mark was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with pneumonia. “People need to be smart about this,” Mark says. “It is not like Influenza A or B.” 

After receiving the drug that has been used to treat malaria and spending several days in the ICU, Mark was released to come home.

His wife, Tina, however, remains in the ICU. She is battling COVID-19 with other underlying health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Mark says he is concerned about his wife and wishes he could hold her hand and comfort her. While he has been fever free for three days, Mark is forced to stay home due to quarantine restrictions in place, and to continue his recovery from the virus.

Watch Mark’s recent interview with CBS News Los Angeles.