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UNC Hospital interpreter dies from coronavirus, GoFundMe set up
UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill is mourning the loss of one of its employees.
Posted — UpdatedBy Leslie Moreno, WRAL multimedia journalist
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill is mourning the loss of one of its employees.
COVID-19 claimed the life of Dulce Garcia, 29, a young and vibrant local woman with so much ahead of her. She passed away Tuesday morning after being diagnosed with the coronavirus. Garcia worked as an interpreter at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill.
“It took away her oxygen and she couldn’t breathe. It took her away from us,” said Yovani Garcia, Dulce's brother.
Those who had the pleasure of meeting Dulce Garcia, say she was a sweet and caring person.
“She was a very Mexican woman who would give everything to her friends and never ask for anything in return," Garcia said. "I mean ... if I could just have the strength she did."
Garcia was the sole provider for her parents. Her family always feared her being exposed at work, they just never thought it would actually happen to her.
“We just didn’t expect it, of course nobody would expect this to happen, especially at her age, but yes" Yovani Garcia said. "The virus is real, I know some people don’t believe it but it is and unfortunately it got to my sister."
We reached out to UNC Hospital and a spokesman told WRAL they believe Dulce contracted coronavirus in the community, not at work. UNC Health issued this release on Garcia's death:
"UNC Medical Center is mourning the loss of a well-loved employee, medical interpreter Dulce Garcia. Dulce was truly a health-care hero, known for always having a smile and for her selfless commitment to others, especially patients and co-workers. Every death during this pandemic is a tragedy, and this one hits close to home for our UNC Medical Center family. Our thoughts are with her family as they grieve this terrible loss."
Yovani Garcia said he last saw his sister before she was diagnosed with the virus. He wishes he would have known that was the last time he was going to see her.
“We love her, we miss her, if she could see the support the community has given us. It’s amazing,” Garcia, said.
The family has set up GoFundMe pages to help her parents and to help with funeral expenses.
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