Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center staff went into victory formation recently when a COVID-19 patient was deemed recovered and discharged from the hospital.

More than 70 masked hospital employees and health care workers lined the halls and applauded patient Ryan Ragaza-Bourassa as he was rolled out of the hospital in a wheelchair.

Though a mask covered most of Ragaza-Bourassa’s face, the joy was visible in his eyes in a video Sacred Heart posted to Facebook as he waved to the people who were responsible for his care.

Then Ragaza-Bourassa, who praised his care in the hospital, joined in the applause.

“Much love and aloha to the doctors, nurses and staff at Sacred Heart that cared for me through this traumatic ordeal,” wrote Ragaza-Bourassa, who declined an interview for this story. “I would like to especially thank the nurses in ICU. You guys were phenomenal and there are no words to express how thankful I am for the care you provided me. Stay safe and God Bless!”

The health care provider holding the final door for Ragaza-Bourassa lunged to pat him on the back just before the former patient greeted his family, who couldn’t visit him during his hospital stay due to disease-prevention guidelines.

Finally, he was able to rise up from his chair and embrace three family members.

The video from the hospital was initially intended to be shared internally and with the patient’s family, according to Jennifer Semenza, a spokesperson for Providence. But after the family saw the video, Ragaza-Bourassa gave Providence permission to share it on social media as a way to thank caregivers.

“His discharge home inspired many of our caregivers and has given us hope,” Semenza said in an email. “We hope it will have the same impact on the community.”