Lafayette, Louisiana Dr. Joseph Lashlee reunites with his family at Memorial Hermann TIRR after 37 days on a ventilator for COVID-19

HOUSTON, Texas – After 37 days fighting for his life with a fan, Dr. Joseph Lashley is slowly learning to walk, talk, and dress again.

The 50-year-old ER doctor, who had no pre-existing conditions, contracted COVID first line at a hospital in Lafayette, Louisiana.

The virus weakened him to the point that he couldn’t even stand on his own when he entered the rehabilitation facilities at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston five weeks ago.

Now his goal is to regain his strength step by step and get back to the front.

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TIRR is known for its innovative therapy and is one of the best rehabilitation facilities in the world.

Lashley has been away from his wife and three young children, twins ages 9 and 7, for months. He said he could not do this without the support of his wife, who is also a doctor.

She has become a single mother of three since entering rehab.

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Lashley would be reunited with her family on Friday.