'My life is forever changed': Michigan woman makes miracle recovery from COVID-19 after 196 days in the hospital

Hair finally left there Thursday, after 196 days of hospitalization for COVID-19.“My life is forever changed because of this experience," Hair said in a statement to USA TODAY, "physically, mentally and emotionally.”The 67-year-old Ann Arbor resident and her husband began experiencing COVID-19 symptoms after a trip to Palm Springs, California. After surgery, she was totally dependent on a ventilator for months as her body struggled to fight off multiple infections and complications brought on by the complex surgery and her weakened immune system.Strict COVID-19 protocols at the beginning of the pandemic prohibited Hair's family, including her husband, Ken, and three daughters to see her during the most difficult months of her hospitalization in the COVID-19 intensive care unit.“It’s been a life-changing experience for my mom and myself,” said daughter Jennifer Hair. She left the ICU to go to the main hospital, where her lungs and mental status began to gradually improve.Hair said thoughts, prayers and positive energy from her friends and family motivated her to keep fighting for her life.“She is very family-oriented and has strong family support,” Choi said.