1240 WJIM AM logo
Enter your number to get our free mobile app

If you've celebrated a birthday, anniversary, or any special milestone during the last eight months, COVID-19 has no doubt had an impact on the festivities.

Last year, Chet and Madeline Kempa celebrated their 50th anniversary in a traditional way with cake, family, and a trip to Nashville. This year, it was a very different type of celebration as the Ann Arbor couple celebrated their special day in the hospital, both battling COVID-19.

But nurses at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak weren't going to let the Kemas' big day go unnoticed. No visitors are allowed, so the couple's three children and six grandchildren couldn't be present. But the nurses brought balloons and a special anniversary cake to the room the couple shares in the hospital.

“That was super," Madeline told WXYZ. "I’ll tell ya one thing, these nurses are really angels.”

The couple's oldest daughter, Beth Braley says her parents have always set a good example. But after father's lung transplant four years ago, she was extremely concerned about him being exposed to the coronavirus.

"A perfect example growing up to aspire to be like,” she said. “I always would think in the back of my head ‘if anyone can not get this, it’s my dad.’”

The Kempas appear to be doing well as their battle with COVID continues and say they're trying to remain strong as they face this challenge together.

“We have a strong faith and we truly thank god for our blessings, every one that he has given us both challenging and rewarding,” Madeline said.

 

SEE MORE: Coronavirus Face Masks From Around the World - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

More From 1240 WJIM AM