Ronald Rushing Sr. was diagnosed with COVID-19 in July 2020. More than a year later, Rushing lives with a debilitating, burning headache.
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Ronald Rushing Sr., 46, thought he had a cold when he came down with a sore throat, cough and a headache July 27, 2020. A grocery store manager living in Southern Pines, North Carolina, Rushing’s district manager sent him home to get better.

More than a year later, he’s still not. Pain shoots through his head from the moment he opens his eyes in the morning until he closes them at night.

Working his old job remains out of the question. Though his company extended his employment so he still has health insurance, he was replaced as store manager. The father of six doesn’t blame his bosses, but without that job he questions his identity and self-worth.

“On a daily basis, I feel alone and I feel like no one cares,” said Rushing, who hopes telling his story will help others feel less isolated and restore his sense of purpose. “It’s become the majority of my life, because I’ve lost everything else.”
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