Transcript of statement by Amber Vinson given at news conference held Oct. 28, 2014, the day she was discharged from Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
I am so grateful to be well, and — first and foremost — I want to thank God.
I sincerely believe that with God all things are possible.
While the skill and dedication of the doctors, nurses and others who have taken care of me have obviously led to my recovery, it has been God’s love that has truly carried my family and me through this difficult time, and has played such an important role in giving me hope and the strength to fight.
I also want to take a moment to publicly thank my dear grandparents; my aunt, and my uncle who have been visiting me here at Emory, supporting me, and making sure I knew my family was there for me throughout my illness.
And to my family, who played such an important role in my recovery by being there every minute, every day, even though you couldn’t be close … I want to express my love and sincere thanks.
While this is a day for celebration and gratitude, I ask that we not lose focus on the thousands of families who continue to labor under the burden of this disease in West Africa.
Thank you to Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol, both of whom were successfully treated here at Emory, for your donations of plasma for me and other patients, and thank you for your leadership in helping to educate the public about this difficult but treatable disease.
I want to sincerely thank the professionals who have contributed to my care, here at Emory Healthcare and at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital – Dallas.
As a nurse, and now as someone who has experienced what it’s like to be cared for through a life-threatening illness, I am so appreciative and grateful for your exceptional skill, warmth, and care.
Finally, my family and I would like to thank the many people whose prayers have helped sustain us. As we head back home to Texas, we are grateful and we respectfully ask for the privacy my family and I need at this time.
Thank you.