Photo: John Moore/Getty Images
A wholesome story for Teacher Appreciation Week
When Luciana Lira received a phone call from a student’s mother asking if she could watch over her newborn baby while the entire family recovered from coronavirus, the elementary school teacher did not say no.
Lira, who teaches English as a second language to students at Hart Magnet Elementary School in Stamford, Connecticut, temporarily took in the newborn baby after the child’s mother, father, and brother all tested positive for COVID-19.
The schoolteacher’s friend, Joy Colon, posted on social media about the Lira’s “unselfish act” and the post soon went viral. “…this unselfish act reminds us that our humanity makes us all essential…to each other. How will each of us respond when we are asked to simply show up and help?” Colon wrote.
“Coronavirus News: Connecticut teacher caring for newborn while family recovers from COVID-19” #LucianaLira
https://t.co/D9gCgHy5x3— Yumi (@jiley_lovato) May 4, 2020
Local news reports revealed that the baby, named Zully, was born five weeks early from an emergency C-section at Stamford Hospital, and was diagnosed with the virus. Zully became seriously ill and was placed on a ventilator for several weeks, according to WABC, but the baby recovered and was able to go home on April 25.
While caring for baby Zully, Lira set up a GoFundMe to help the parents pay for healthcare and living expenses. So far, the campaign has raised more than $23,000.
By: Maytinee Kramer
