Discover more from Frederick R. Smith Speaks
True Love Overcomes Principalities and Powers
Despite a real-life sad story, my friend David's faith in God is stronger than ever. True love in union with Jesus overcomes the principalities and powers of this world.
37 But in all these things we overcome, because of him that hath loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor might, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37–39 — Douay-Rheims Bible
Introduction
My friend, David DeLuca, was forever shadowed by uncertainty in 2021. It concerns whether the Ivermectin prescribed by an out-of-state doctor could have saved his wife’s life. His wife, Colleen DeLuca, 62, succumbed to COVID-19 on October 10, 2021, before David could secure a court order to administer the drug.
Ivermectin has shown promise in some instances. Yet, most hospitals nationwide chose not to include it in their COVID treatment protocols. That is the case even as a last-ditch effort for critically ill patients. This refusal led to situations where families like the DeLuca turned to legal means to force hospitals to allow the use of Ivermectin. Buffalo, New York, attorney Ralph Lorigo had handled such cases before. He assisted the DeLuca family in preparing court papers. Lorigo was not authorized to practice law in New Jersey and advised David to find a local attorney to handle the legal process. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, David could not find a willing New Jersey attorney to take on the case.
Love at First Sight
David reminisces the day he first noticed the pretty new girl sitting nearby in their 10th-grade American History class. Colleen had recently returned from Germany because of her family’s military background. Although quiet, she loved listening to David’s conversations. As time passed, their connection deepened, and by their senior year, they were inseparable. Together, they attended their senior prom. David also received a scholarship to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. He couldn’t envision a life without her. In 1977, the two 18-year-old high school sweethearts surprised their families by eloping.
Their decision to marry raised skepticism among family and friends. As time passed, David’s parents grew to love Colleen as if she were their daughter. Thanksgiving visits to their families included acceptance and affection. That occurred thru the exchange of hand-me-down household items, symbolizing their growing family bond.
As David pursued his education, he worked two jobs. Colleen supported him by typing school papers and cooking for him and his college friends. They would become lifelong companions. Over time, they welcomed three children into their lives. Their family expanded to include six children. They chose to homeschool the youngest two thru to graduation. Colleen cherished every moment spent giggling with ten grandchildren and offering warm hugs.
Their faith was central to their lives as devout classical Catholics. They moved closer to a church in Southern New Jersey that offered the Traditional 1962 Latin Mass. Their deep involvement in their faith led Colleen to join the Carmelite Third Order. It is also known as the Lay Carmelites or the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. That association allows married men and women to lead an enriched life of spirituality. That commitment is in line with the traditions of the Carmelite Order. Colleen appears in the below video on the right side at 0:32.
The Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, David and Colleen had legitimate health concerns. Colleen had asthma and other health issues. David also faced health challenges. They took every possible precaution to protect themselves. They wore masks, disinfected, and stayed home. Despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, they chose not to accept them. They stood fast with the moral objections because of the vaccines’ ties to aborted fetal cells.
Colleen’s caring nature was evident during the pandemic as she sewed and distributed 500 face masks to those in need. Fate had other plans despite their vigilance, and COVID-19 claimed Colleen’s life. Their enduring love story serves as a poignant reminder. They shared precious moments and faced challenges throughout their remarkable journey.
In mid-September 2021, Colleen began experiencing asthma symptoms. They contacted her pulmonologist, who prescribed the usual asthma medications, including her nebulizer. At that time, they didn’t consider the possibility of COVID-19, as it wasn’t uncommon for Colleen to have asthma attacks. She relied on a nasal pap and an oxygen concentrator while sleeping due to her complex breathing issues. As Colleen’s condition worsened, they started monitoring her oxygen saturation levels.
Concerned for her well-being, David did everything he could to care for Colleen. On September 21, 2021, he felt overwhelming fatigue that hit him like a brick wall. Exhausted, David went to bed immediately. The following morning, he underwent COVID-19 testing, which confirmed his fears—he had contracted the virus. The doctor also informed David that Colleen was almost certainly infected as well. Following the diagnosis, their general practitioner prescribed various medications. That included hydroxychloroquine to treat the illness.
On September 23, with deep concern in his heart, David noticed that Colleen’s oxygen level had dropped to 88 percent. He recalls their heart-wrenching conversation, “… I have to take you to the hospital.” Yet, Colleen expressed her fear of dying if she went to the hospital. Understanding the gravity of the situation, David replied, “If I don’t take you, you are going to die here.”
Colleen preferred to spend the night at home, but as David rechecked her oxygen level, it had further plummeted to 86 percent. Unfortunately, his battle with COVID-19 left him too weak to transport her. In this critical moment, David made a difficult decision and called for an ambulance. First responders rushed Colleen to the hospital for immediate medical attention.
The Hospital
As the ambulance crew arrived, responders placed Colleen on a gurney with an oxygen mask covering her mouth. That made it impossible for David to bid her a proper goodbye. With her eyes filled with fear, he traced the sign of the cross on her forehead, blessing her in a tender gesture of love and comfort. A heartfelt wave accompanied their farewell, and it was in that fleeting moment that David saw Colleen awake for the last time.
As Colleen remained at the hospital, the medical team placed her on a CPAP machine with full oxygen support to assist her breathing. Meanwhile, David was also battling COVID-19 at home. That added to the immense stress and worry he was already experiencing. On September 28, 2021, a call from the hospital’s doctor brought news that shook David. The medical team decided to put Colleen on a ventilator. She urgently wished to speak with her husband despite her weak voice. She struggled to compete with the whirring sounds of the oxygen machine.
With a heavy heart, Colleen conveyed her last wishes to David, saying, “I’m going on the ventilator. Bury me in my ceremonial scapular. I love you and the kids.” Knowing that the situation was becoming critical, her words pierced David’s soul.
Desperate to help Colleen, David asked his friends for their prayers. During one of these conversations, a friend mentioned Ivermectin as a possible treatment option. Intrigued, David consulted his general practitioner. While doing his best, he expressed doubts about its effectiveness. Due to the lack of supporting data, the doctor refrained from prescribing it.
Determined to explore every possible avenue to save his wife, David sought Ivermectin for himself and Colleen. He obtained it through a telehealth meeting with a doctor from Oklahoma. After starting the treatment, David experienced an improvement in his condition within days. Driven by hope, he approached the hospital, requesting they administer Ivermectin to Colleen. Yet, to his dismay, the hospital denied David’s plea, citing that it was not part of their treatment protocol and claiming it to be ineffective.
Despite David’s passionate appeals to the medical staff, they remained firm in their decision. That left him feeling helpless and frustrated. The hospital seemed to expect her fate when they placed her on the ventilator.
Afterward, David found himself in a relentless pursuit, juggling many tasks to save his wife. In a desperate attempt, he tried to secure legal representation. Dave attempted to convince the hospital to use the Ivermectin he had obtained and sought permission to enter Colleen’s room. Yet the hospital denied David access due to her contagious condition. They refused to consider the request despite David having COVID-19 himself. Only one option remained. He could see her through a window, but the longing to hold her hand and speak to her in person remained unfulfilled.
On Sunday, October 10, 2021, David attended church as usual early in the morning. Upon arrival, like most Sundays, the author of this essay and his wife (Mr. & Mrs. Frederick R. Smith) greeted David. Shortly before the Mass began, David received a devastating call from the hospital. That call informed him that Colleen was in renal failure. Determined to be with her, David promised to rush to the hospital after the service. A second call brought even graver news - “Your wife is dying,” the hospital informed him. Without hesitation, he headed to the hospital, where, this time, they allowed him to enter Colleen’s room while wearing a gown and mask. Seeing her condition, David knew that she was approaching the end.
An experienced Air Force pilot with 28 years of service, David had faced life-and-death decisions. While responsible for many lives, he never anticipated being in this heart-wrenching situation. With a heavy heart, David consented to have Colleen removed from the ventilator. He faced the unbearable thought of prolonging her suffering. In her final moments, Colleen squeezed his hand, and within 30 seconds of removing the ventilator, she peacefully passed away. David couldn’t embrace her due to the medical equipment surrounding her, but he offered his blessing.
Faith in the System Shattered
Overwhelmed by sorrow and anger, David believes the hospital gave up on Colleen too soon. It seemed the hospital expected her fate when she was placed on the ventilator. He firmly believes their protocols failed her and contributed to her untimely death. The lack of legal support further adds to his frustration. That leads him to share Colleen’s story, hoping others will become aware of alternative treatments like Ivermectin. He believes that exploring all available options can save lives. It protects families from the profound grief he and his children experienced with losing their beloved Colleen.
David’s faith in the system got shattered. That left him disillusioned and disheartened. He strongly advocates for greater awareness about the potential of Ivermectin. David stresses the critical importance of exploring all possible treatment options. His devastating experience has driven him to emphasize the need for a more open-minded and comprehensive approach. That includes medical interventions ensuring that no potential solution gets dismissed without consideration.
Appendix
My dear friend David has written a detailed narrative about Colleen’s case, which is included below, with his permission and encouragement. In loving memory of Colleen, please see the full story as presented in the below embedded PDF file.
Despite this real-life sad story, I can tell you firsthand that David’s faith in God is stronger than ever. True love in union with Jesus overcomes the principalities and powers of this world. Dave’s facial expression and posture are unique among the congregation during the Consecration at the Mass of the Ages. It is akin to a light shining between David (in union with Colleen) and the Precious Sacrament.
Far too many stories like this. When you are refused treatment that could possibly work.. There is a word for that. May God forgive these people who did this at hospitals, because I cannot. Justice will find them one day.
To every person responsible for instigating and perpetuating this terrible pandemic there is justice. Wait for it...