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One year ago, COVID-19 was found in Chicago.
Over months, @blockclubchi got to know 27 families across the city who lost a loved one to the virus, just a fraction of the 4,500 Chicagoans lost.
Their families— & our neighborhoods —will never be the same. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/a-year-of-loss-covid-19-has-killed-more-than-4500-chicagoans-for-these-families-life-will-never-be-the-same/
Over months, @blockclubchi got to know 27 families across the city who lost a loved one to the virus, just a fraction of the 4,500 Chicagoans lost.
Their families— & our neighborhoods —will never be the same. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/a-year-of-loss-covid-19-has-killed-more-than-4500-chicagoans-for-these-families-life-will-never-be-the-same/
We've all lost something since COVID-19 upended our lives, @BauerJournalism wrote in @BlockClubCHI's newsletter today.
Jobs and livelihoods.
The ability to see our parents or support small businesses.
Our own health.
But the loss of those 4,500 Chicagoans cuts deepest.
Jobs and livelihoods.
The ability to see our parents or support small businesses.
Our own health.
But the loss of those 4,500 Chicagoans cuts deepest.
We won't forget Larry Griffin, 67, of Washington Heights, lost to coronavirus.
"I never worried about if he loved me," Larry's soul mate said. "He loved me from the beginning to the end." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/washington-heights-larry-and-jacki-griffin-were-soul-mates-who-built-a-family-before-his-death-from-coronavirus/
"I never worried about if he loved me," Larry's soul mate said. "He loved me from the beginning to the end." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/washington-heights-larry-and-jacki-griffin-were-soul-mates-who-built-a-family-before-his-death-from-coronavirus/
We won't forget Raymundo Salazar, 83, of Little Village, lost to coronavirus.
Teaching his son about the constellations "was my dad’s way of explaining the way the universe works, the connections that we have w/ people around us." — @WhiteRhinoRay https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/late-little-village-mechanic-used-the-stars-to-guide-himself-as-a-boy-in-mexico-and-passed-that-lesson-on-to-his-son/
Teaching his son about the constellations "was my dad’s way of explaining the way the universe works, the connections that we have w/ people around us." — @WhiteRhinoRay https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/late-little-village-mechanic-used-the-stars-to-guide-himself-as-a-boy-in-mexico-and-passed-that-lesson-on-to-his-son/
We won't forget Curtis Bamberg, 73, of Pullman, lost to coronavirus.
"He was a man that did not give up easy. He stayed on the path, and when he started anything — anything he set out to do, he accomplished it.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/devoted-father-of-6-worked-hard-to-give-his-family-a-good-life-and-never-missed-a-chance-to-slow-dance-with-his-wife-until-the-pandemic-struck/
"He was a man that did not give up easy. He stayed on the path, and when he started anything — anything he set out to do, he accomplished it.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/devoted-father-of-6-worked-hard-to-give-his-family-a-good-life-and-never-missed-a-chance-to-slow-dance-with-his-wife-until-the-pandemic-struck/
We won't forget Russell McManus, 86, of North Park, lost to coronavirus.
“After we got married, my youngest son said, ‘If Daddy could have picked anyone to take care of you after he was gone, it would have been Russ,’” his wife said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/covidprofile-russell-mcmanus/
“After we got married, my youngest son said, ‘If Daddy could have picked anyone to take care of you after he was gone, it would have been Russ,’” his wife said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/covidprofile-russell-mcmanus/
We won't forget Juana Calderon, 57, of Pilsen, lost to coronavirus.
When new immigrants would stop at her house, "they would ask my mom if she could spare some change or food. My mom never hesitated to give some food, blankets to sleep with or jackets.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/coronavirus-profile-juana-calderon/
When new immigrants would stop at her house, "they would ask my mom if she could spare some change or food. My mom never hesitated to give some food, blankets to sleep with or jackets.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/coronavirus-profile-juana-calderon/
We won't forget Jim Wlodarczyk, 61, of Portage Park, lost to coronavirus.
“He was always encouraging people and trying to help them along their way.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/covid-profile-jim-wlodarczyk-loved-space-exploration-joking-around-with-his-family/
“He was always encouraging people and trying to help them along their way.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/covid-profile-jim-wlodarczyk-loved-space-exploration-joking-around-with-his-family/
We won't forget Darnell Jones, 55, of Englewood, lost to coronavirus.
"I miss his jokes and his laugh. I miss it every day," his sister said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/englewood-dad-lost-to-covid-at-55-always-had-jokes-drew-a-crowd-of-admirers-when-he-danced-it-happened-so-fast/
"I miss his jokes and his laugh. I miss it every day," his sister said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/englewood-dad-lost-to-covid-at-55-always-had-jokes-drew-a-crowd-of-admirers-when-he-danced-it-happened-so-fast/
We won't forget Rose Marie Perkins, 88, of Budlong Woods, lost to coronavirus.
Rose Marie loved scouring rummage sales & couldn't pass up a good deal.
“She’d say, ‘It was only a quarter, so I had to bring it home,’” her daughter remembered. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/coronavirus-profile-rose-marie-perkins/
Rose Marie loved scouring rummage sales & couldn't pass up a good deal.
“She’d say, ‘It was only a quarter, so I had to bring it home,’” her daughter remembered. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/coronavirus-profile-rose-marie-perkins/
We won't forget Rogelio Cuevas, 64, of Belmont Cragin, lost to coronavirus.
“I felt loved and spoiled … like an explosion of love that I would feel for him," his daughter said. "If you needed something ... he will give it to you." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/belmont-cragin-dad-known-for-his-bright-smile-and-love-for-all-things-spicy-dies-from-covid-19-he-cared-about-everybody/
“I felt loved and spoiled … like an explosion of love that I would feel for him," his daughter said. "If you needed something ... he will give it to you." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/belmont-cragin-dad-known-for-his-bright-smile-and-love-for-all-things-spicy-dies-from-covid-19-he-cared-about-everybody/
We won't forget Jose Cornejo, 71, of West Elsdon, lost to coronavirus.
“No obstacle was too big for him. He would find a way around it,” his sister said of Jose, the oldest of 8 siblings. “He was not afraid to push forward.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/southwest-side-dad-brother-feared-nothing-and-used-humor-to-encourage-family-its-a-huge-void-that-he-left/
“No obstacle was too big for him. He would find a way around it,” his sister said of Jose, the oldest of 8 siblings. “He was not afraid to push forward.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/southwest-side-dad-brother-feared-nothing-and-used-humor-to-encourage-family-its-a-huge-void-that-he-left/
We won't forget Margie Rodriguez, 101, of Norwood Park, lost to coronavirus.
With a big personality, Margie was still very much young at heart, her family said.
"Chicago is missing somebody who lit up a room.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/at-101-glamorous-norwood-park-grandma-was-young-at-heart-the-life-of-the-party-and-never-without-her-red-lipstick/
With a big personality, Margie was still very much young at heart, her family said.
"Chicago is missing somebody who lit up a room.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/at-101-glamorous-norwood-park-grandma-was-young-at-heart-the-life-of-the-party-and-never-without-her-red-lipstick/
We won't forget Rhoda Jean Hatch, 73, of East Garfield Park, lost to coronavirus.
She was the keeper of our sacred family stories. She connected those personal family stories to the larger story of what it means to be Black," her nephew said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/coronavirus-profile-rhoda-jean-hatch/
She was the keeper of our sacred family stories. She connected those personal family stories to the larger story of what it means to be Black," her nephew said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/coronavirus-profile-rhoda-jean-hatch/
We won't forget Nikki Shepard, 44, of Galewood, lost to coronavirus.
Despite living w/ chronic illness, she fought to bring joy to her family every day.
"Every story of my life involves Nikki. ... Everybody should have a Nikki," her best friend said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/west-side-church-choir-wont-be-the-same-after-covid-death-of-beloved-singer-everybody-should-have-a-nikki/
Despite living w/ chronic illness, she fought to bring joy to her family every day.
"Every story of my life involves Nikki. ... Everybody should have a Nikki," her best friend said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/west-side-church-choir-wont-be-the-same-after-covid-death-of-beloved-singer-everybody-should-have-a-nikki/
We won't forget Bob Brieske, 70, of Jefferson Park, lost to coronavirus.
Bob cheated death a few times, surviving the Vietnam War, a bad motorcycle crash and a heart attack.
But “the beast of COVID took him down," his wife said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/covidprofile-robert-brieske/
Bob cheated death a few times, surviving the Vietnam War, a bad motorcycle crash and a heart attack.
But “the beast of COVID took him down," his wife said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/covidprofile-robert-brieske/
We won't forget Bill Griffin, 88, of West Ridge, lost to coronavirus.
Bill was a legendary Cubs vendor who worked at Wrigley Field for 65 years.
"Walking through the main gates [at Wrigley], he was the first guy you see,” his friend said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/legendary-cubs-vendor-who-died-from-coronavirus-worked-wrigley-for-decades-was-a-fixture-of-the-ballpark/
Bill was a legendary Cubs vendor who worked at Wrigley Field for 65 years.
"Walking through the main gates [at Wrigley], he was the first guy you see,” his friend said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/legendary-cubs-vendor-who-died-from-coronavirus-worked-wrigley-for-decades-was-a-fixture-of-the-ballpark/
We won't forget Mauricio Valdivia, 52, of Little Village, lost to coronavirus.
One Christmas their family couldn’t afford presents, his brother Jorge remembered.
Mauricio came in with bags filled with gifts, surprising them all.
"That was my brother." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/mauricio-valdivia-coronavirus-little-village-dad-obituary/
One Christmas their family couldn’t afford presents, his brother Jorge remembered.
Mauricio came in with bags filled with gifts, surprising them all.
"That was my brother." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/mauricio-valdivia-coronavirus-little-village-dad-obituary/
We won't forget Muhammad Saleh Abdur-Rahman, 60, of Mt. Greenwood and West Ridge, lost to coronavirus.
"Just from my 10 years of being friends with him, I come to a conclusion that he was the best person I ever met in my life." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/mt-greenwood-man-found-peace-religion-and-family-in-west-ridge-after-his-death-areas-muslim-community-helps-those-he-loved-most/
"Just from my 10 years of being friends with him, I come to a conclusion that he was the best person I ever met in my life." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/mt-greenwood-man-found-peace-religion-and-family-in-west-ridge-after-his-death-areas-muslim-community-helps-those-he-loved-most/
We won't forget Larry Arnold, 70, of South Shore, lost to coronavirus.
The “barbecue king” & Jeopardy master "had a buddy in every part of the country," his niece said.
Chicagoans can honor his life by wearing a mask & social distancing, his family said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/beloved-south-shore-uncle-was-a-trivia-and-barbecue-wiz-with-friends-in-every-city-nobody-knew-anything-about-covid-when-he-got-it/
The “barbecue king” & Jeopardy master "had a buddy in every part of the country," his niece said.
Chicagoans can honor his life by wearing a mask & social distancing, his family said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/beloved-south-shore-uncle-was-a-trivia-and-barbecue-wiz-with-friends-in-every-city-nobody-knew-anything-about-covid-when-he-got-it/
We won't forget Landon Cox, 81, of Morgan Park, lost to coronavirus.
The legendary King College Prep basketball coach was a father figure to generations of young players.
"Their fathers weren’t around. And so my dad was their father," his daughter said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/covidprofile-landon-cox/
The legendary King College Prep basketball coach was a father figure to generations of young players.
"Their fathers weren’t around. And so my dad was their father," his daughter said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/covidprofile-landon-cox/
We won't forget Nickolas Lee, 42, of South Shore, lost to coronavirus while awaiting trial in jail.
Now, his wife is fighting for others locked up during the pandemic.
"They’re all people that deserve to live.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/at-just-42-south-shore-man-died-in-jail-before-his-trial-he-deserved-a-chance-to-redeem-himself-his-wife-says/
Now, his wife is fighting for others locked up during the pandemic.
"They’re all people that deserve to live.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/at-just-42-south-shore-man-died-in-jail-before-his-trial-he-deserved-a-chance-to-redeem-himself-his-wife-says/
We won't forget Lillie Merrill, 98, of Englewood, lost to coronavirus.
Fiercely protective, when her daughter needed her car fixed, Lillie, then in her late 80s, insisted on following in her car.
"She could barely see over the steering wheel." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/coronavirus-profile-lillie-merrill/
Fiercely protective, when her daughter needed her car fixed, Lillie, then in her late 80s, insisted on following in her car.
"She could barely see over the steering wheel." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/coronavirus-profile-lillie-merrill/
We won't forget Regina Henley, 70, of Lakeview, lost to coronavirus.
She was adored by her goddaughter and a wide circle of friends from all walks of life.
"Regina truly saw the good in everyone and accepted people as they were," her friend said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/lakeviews-regina-henley-was-a-world-traveler-style-icon-and-best-friend-to-many-until-covid-took-her-away/
She was adored by her goddaughter and a wide circle of friends from all walks of life.
"Regina truly saw the good in everyone and accepted people as they were," her friend said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/lakeviews-regina-henley-was-a-world-traveler-style-icon-and-best-friend-to-many-until-covid-took-her-away/
We won't forget Jaroslaw "Jerry" Hankewych, 77, of Ukrainian Village, lost to coronavirus.
On cold, snowy evenings, he’d ask everyone at the bus stop if they needed a ride home.
"That’s just the type of person he was," his daughter said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/ukrainian-village-museum-director-lost-to-pandemic-was-a-fierce-advocate-for-fellow-ukrainians-in-chicago/
On cold, snowy evenings, he’d ask everyone at the bus stop if they needed a ride home.
"That’s just the type of person he was," his daughter said. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/ukrainian-village-museum-director-lost-to-pandemic-was-a-fierce-advocate-for-fellow-ukrainians-in-chicago/
We won't forget Surayya Fahim, 69, of Lincoln Park, lost to coronavirus.
The "alpha female" was devoted to helping her loved ones live better lives, her children said.
"She really instilled in me her strength & taught me to be resilient & independent.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/children-of-brilliant-baker-and-strong-willed-lincoln-park-mom-mourn-her-loss-planning-post-pandemic-party-to-celebrate-her-life/
The "alpha female" was devoted to helping her loved ones live better lives, her children said.
"She really instilled in me her strength & taught me to be resilient & independent.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/children-of-brilliant-baker-and-strong-willed-lincoln-park-mom-mourn-her-loss-planning-post-pandemic-party-to-celebrate-her-life/
We won't forget Jose Miguel Vazquez, 51, of Logan Square, lost to coronavirus.
Jose, loving father of 2 daughters, died in March without any family by his side.
"If my dad had gotten sick now…I just know [he] would’ve had a better chance of surviving.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/coronavirus-profile-jose-vazquez/
Jose, loving father of 2 daughters, died in March without any family by his side.
"If my dad had gotten sick now…I just know [he] would’ve had a better chance of surviving.” https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/coronavirus-profile-jose-vazquez/
We won't forget Rafaela Castillo, 89, lost to coronavirus.
Born in Mexico, she immigrated to Pilsen before settling in Lakeview. Mother to 10.
"She was the ultimate immigrant story. She came for a better life. We made that American dream." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/a-lakeview-matriarch-immigrant-tried-to-give-back-after-building-a-life-in-chicago-her-family-is-continuing-that-legacy/
Born in Mexico, she immigrated to Pilsen before settling in Lakeview. Mother to 10.
"She was the ultimate immigrant story. She came for a better life. We made that American dream." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/a-lakeview-matriarch-immigrant-tried-to-give-back-after-building-a-life-in-chicago-her-family-is-continuing-that-legacy/
We won't forget Ciro Castro, 59, of Pilsen, lost to coronavirus.
Immigrated to Pilsen from Mexico. Father of 5. As a landlord, he kept the rent low, hoping to help fellow immigrants.
"He looked after others," his daughter said. "...Always w/ a smile." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/pilsen-dad-lost-to-coronavirus-helped-whoever-needed-a-hand-and-held-a-special-place-in-his-heart-for-his-granddaughter/
Immigrated to Pilsen from Mexico. Father of 5. As a landlord, he kept the rent low, hoping to help fellow immigrants.
"He looked after others," his daughter said. "...Always w/ a smile." https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/pilsen-dad-lost-to-coronavirus-helped-whoever-needed-a-hand-and-held-a-special-place-in-his-heart-for-his-granddaughter/
We did our best to honor the lives we lost.
Every @blockclubchi reporter + several freelancers had a hand in bringing this project to life, building relationships w/ these families.
@colinbphoto captured their memories in these heartbreaking videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL08TQIGce5QB7cpoHf--QtOdWSjLcu5ic
Every @blockclubchi reporter + several freelancers had a hand in bringing this project to life, building relationships w/ these families.
@colinbphoto captured their memories in these heartbreaking videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL08TQIGce5QB7cpoHf--QtOdWSjLcu5ic
Coroanvirus: A Year of Loss was spearheaded by @blockclubchi Breaking News Editor @BauerJournalism, who has led our coronavirus coverage w/ unmatched dedication, urgency + empathy.
At one critical point, she worked 56! straight days to bring you the news. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/a-year-of-loss-covid-19-has-killed-more-than-4500-chicagoans-for-these-families-life-will-never-be-the-same/
At one critical point, she worked 56! straight days to bring you the news. https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/25/a-year-of-loss-covid-19-has-killed-more-than-4500-chicagoans-for-these-families-life-will-never-be-the-same/
