x
Breaking News
More () »

Wife of cancer patient makes plea for following COVID-19 guidelines

People with compromised immune systems are at a heightened risk.

ROBBINSDALE, Minn. — A Minnesota wife and mom is pleading with others her age to follow current guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Liza Turrittin, the mother of five children ages 2 to 10, stepped across the street from North Memorial Health Hospital to make her request.

Liza’s husband Cole is in intensive care battling cancer, his immune system compromised.  

“I think it’s hard to be in your mid-30s and think about those things,” Liza said. “They don’t have a husband at home with cancer.”

People with weakened immune systems are at particular risk should they contract COVID-19. 

Liza made the difficult choice to separate herself from her children. They are at home in St. Peter under the care of her parents, while she stays with her husband until the threat of coronavirus has passed.

“Until I know it’s safe, I don’t want to expose him to anything unnecessary,” Liza said. “’Where you go, I go.’  We’ve always said that to each other.”

Doctors found tumors in Cole’s pancreas last April. The cancer has also spread to his liver.

Further treatment options exist, but Cole needs to remain free of infection to take the next step.

Each day, Liza sees other family members at the hospital with their own worries about the spread of coronavirus.

“It’s got to get easier at some point,” she said. “I hope that it gets easier.”

NOTE: A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Turrittin Family. Click here for more information. 

KARE 11’s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit kare11.com/coronavirus for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about the Midwest specifically, learn more about the symptoms, and keep tabs on the cases around the world here. Have a question? Text it to us at 763-797-7215. And get the latest coronavirus updates sent right to your inbox every morning. Subscribe to the KARE 11 Sunrise newsletter here.

RELATED: Minnesota narrows coronavirus testing criteria, health care workers now among positive

RELATED: Facts not fear: What the Midwest should know about coronavirus

Before You Leave, Check This Out