PHOTO COURTESY RON LAVALLEEÂ Lawrence firefighter Juan Manny Gonzalez
Firefighter Juan Manny Gonzalez talks with Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera in this file photo. Gonzalez, 54, beat COVID-19 but it was two months before he finally tested negativeÂ
LAWRENCE â Confined to his basement, battling a stubborn fever and a persistent cough, Juan Manny Gonzalez prayed for the safety of his wife, Gloribel. I kept praying, Keep her healthy. Let me carry the burden. Don t give it to her, said the veteran Lawrence firefighter. I prayed for my better half not to get this and, thank God, she never did.
Gonzalez, 54, beat COVID-19 but it was two months before he finally tested negative and one of his lungs was affected, requiring him to perform breathing therapy daily.Â