SURVIVING COVID-19: When the Reporter Becomes the Story
Doug Clifford captures history in the making as a photographer for the Tampa Bay Times, a Florida newspaper.
“It is a privilege to do what I do,” said Clifford.
And now, he’s more passionate than ever to be back back on the job after more than a month. His latest assignment, involved covering a park affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am back out again doing what’s important,” said Clifford.
In a twist of fate, it was covering these important stories, that put Clifford on the other side of the lens. He’s a recovered Covid-19 patient.
“I exhibited coronavirus symptoms in late March. It was a couple weeks of taking pictures as the virus started to spread across into North America,” Clifford said.
The father of three started spiking a fever and had other symptoms.
“I felt like I had a hand squeezing the top of my head that was a really odd sensation and the bottoms of my feet continued to hurt,” said Clifford.
Due to the risks associated with his job, Clifford’s doctor ordered a coronavirus test. Sure enough, he tested positive. During his recovery, Clifford not only wanted to be back on the job, but he also wanted to make a difference.
“I felt like this is the next layer of how I can help, you know something beyond a story,” said Clifford.
His research led him to his answer, convalescent plasma donation.
“The antibodies were likely present in my plasma. And it was very likely that I would be able to help people,” said Clifford.
One of his most important assignments, documenting giving back. He allowed cameras to take video of the donation.
“I thought even if there is one person that can recover and I can just give a little bit of something out of the inside of my body and can help them turn around, I mean that’s my obligation that’s my duty to provide that to them I have to do it,” said Clifford.
Clifford said it’s an experience that he’ll never forget.
“I thought it was great that there was this community networking place that guided me into this donation because it was about communication with my doctor, communication with One Blood and how we all came together to get this possibly lifesaving plasma out of my body and now it’s out there.”
And now he’s back out there too And, it’s a story that he wouldn’t change. “I really think my privilege and opportunity to do that. It supersedes you know those risks,” said Clifford.
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