COVID has taken its toll on many people in the region and one of those who has truly felt the impact of the deadly virus is Holbrook resident Carla Gabaldon. Gabaldon is a life-long resident of Holbrook and at the young age of 17, took part in an on-the-job training program that brought her to the Holbrook Senior Citizens Center. Gabaldon loved the work has now served at the center for over 35 years and has been the director of that center for many years. In that capacity, Gabaldon has been instrumental in making sure that the elderly, poor and indigent are fed through the Christmas food box program, the food bank, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels and more. Even today, Gabaldon’s goal is to return to work but at this time, that goal remains out of reach. It was in the winter of last year when Gabaldon contracted COVID and on Dec. 14 had to be transported first to the Little Colorado Medical Center, then to a Banner hospital in Phoenix, which began a long journey to multiple hospitals, near death and finally, now, a slow recovery. She battled through double pneumonia, being ventilated and intubated, and although she is now home, she developed a blood clot that is led to neuropathy in one leg, she has struggles with an exacerbated kidney issue and is having to be on oxygen due to the damage done to her lungs. As Gabaldon struggled through the effects of the disease she was struck down by something much worse, the death of her mother, Eleanor Young a longtime beautician in Holbrook, also from COVID. Lisa Salazar, who runs Holbrook Extended Care has worked many years alongside Gabaldon and knew that she needed help. “Carla would never ask for it but this has hit her very hard. Although she has insurance there’s deductibles and other costs that really have taken an overwhelming toll,” she said. Realizing all that Gabaldon has been faced with, Salazar has organized a GoFundMe account in an effort to raise funds to offset some of those expenses. “Despite all of this, Carla wants to come back to work and serve the people of the community. I figured since she’s given so much over the years, this would be an opportunity to help her,” stated Salazar. To contribute to the fundraising effort, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/carla-gabaldon-medical-help. Any amount is welcome and would be greatly appreciated.
