210106 COVID Patient Released 1
James Neiss/staff photographer
Niagara Falls, NY - Heather Kalisiak, of North Tonawanda, shares a moment with her daughter Talia, 20, hospitalized with COVID-19 for two months on a respirator at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical as she is released for rehab.


Media alert for today at 1 p.m.

Memorial Medical Center nurses to celebrate
discharge of long-term COVID-19 patient

Nurses and other staff members at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center will gather at 1 p.m. today to celebrate the discharge of an inspirational 20-year-old patient who made a remarkable recovery from COVID-19.

Talia Kalisiak, 20, spent two months on a respirator at the Niagara Falls hospital before rallying to overcome the disease that has caused a worldwide epidemic. She is now ready to begin the next stage of her recovery in a local rehabilitation center.

Staff members including nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists and others who cared for Talia during her extended stay will be on hand to applaud her as she is discharged from the hospital.

Media coverage is invited.

WHAT: A gathering to applaud a courageous 20-year-old patient who overcame COVID-19 following a lengthy hospital stay, much of which was spent on a ventilator
WHEN: 1 p.m. today
WHERE: The ER1 entrance on the east side of The Heart Center of Niagara, 577 10th St. at Walnut Avenue
WHO: Memorial President & CEO Joseph A. Ruffolo and clinical staff members who provided care to Talia Kalisiak
FOR INFORMATION: Call Andrea Gray at (716) 278-4605