Intensive Care: Spokane couple recovering after both had hospital stays following COVID-19 diagnosis

Christine Harbison and Mike Sandblom had just purchased a home together in Mead when Sandblom, an adult caregiver, started showing symptoms of coronavirus in November. Harbison followed in late December, her infection perhaps delayed by drugs she's taking to treat her multiple sclerosis. As the couple emerges from intensive care, they count themselves lucky, but know a long path to recovery is ahead.

Section:Gallery

Sun., Jan. 24, 2021

Christy Harbison, left, with her now-fiance Mike Sandblom celebrating Harbison's daughter graduating from the University of Southern California in 2019. The couple contracted COVID-19 in November and both spent stints in the ICU.

Courtesy Christy Harbison
Infection prevention and special pathogens unit manager Christa Arguinchona RN, CCRN helps COVID-19 patient Christy Harbison move from her chair to bed at Providence Sacred Heart on Jan. 14, 2021.

Kathy Plonka The Spokesman-Review
Christy Harbison looks out her window at Providence Sacred Heart during an Albuterol inhalation treatment to combat the symptoms of COVID-19 on Jan. 14, 2021.

Kathy Plonka The Spokesman-Review
Infection prevention and special pathogens unit manager Christa Arguinchona RN, CCRN keeps COVID-19 patient Christy Harbison’s room at Providence Sacred Heart bright and cheery while making her rounds on Jan. 14, 2021.

Kathy Plonka The Spokesman-Review