Laurel: To getting better. Coronavirus is most dangerous to our older population. It’s most risky for those with other health problems, like cancer or diabetes. But that doesn’t mean it is a death sentence for them, even when they are seriously ill.

James Toth, 89, and Yvonne Demagall, 92, are living proof. After weeks in the hospital, both were released from Excela Frick Hospital on Wednesday to continue their recovery.

Their discharge wasn’t what you might see after a routine hospital stay. It was a celebration of survival for them, a celebration of return for their families and a celebration of success for the hospital.

The pandemic has accustomed us to the dark side of the virus — the fear and the loss. While we are trying to find a way back to normal, it’s great to have a story that shows recovering is possible.

Laurel: To knowing the specifics. The state has been releasing coronavirus information for weeks, giving Pennsylvanians a look at the numbers county by county. This week, they began getting a little more granular. The newest information allows individuals to look at not just hundreds of square miles but their own communities to see exactly what their risk is.

This is an important step to knowing how to stay safe. More information is the most crucial tool in the pandemic battle.

Laurel: To remembering animals during the pandemic. There is a lot about being locked down that creates complications for daily life. The forced home time might be good for some things, though. Like getting a new dog and having the time for training and getting accustomed to a new space.

Pet adoptions are down 35% over a six-week period. It isn’t that people don’t want a new furry friend. It’s that the state-mandated shutdowns have limited the number of people working at shelters, which has cut down on the ability to take in new animals as well as the opportunities for prospective adopters to come in and meet their perfect pet.

But kudos go to the animal organizations like Humane Animal Rescue, Animal Friends and Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley for their efforts to support pets and their owners during trying and financially precarious times.

Laurel: To a precious gift. Those who have contracted coronavirus and recovered are left with antibodies in their blood. Doctors can use those antibodies to help treat patients still fighting covid-19.

It’s a trial therapy, something that has worked to fight other viruses such as measles and influenza.

It’s also a therapy that depends upon the kindness of others. UPMC is using blood plasma donated by survivors.

“If my plasma can help someone get better, that’s good,” said Joel Le Gall of Forest Hills. “It’s definitely worth the try until we have a vaccine.”

The try may be all patients can depend upon for a while, and it’s survivors like Le Gall who make that possible.

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