The doctors and medical staff at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa on June 3 celebrated the release of a COVID-19 patient who spent close to 50 days in the hospital.

Edward Cipres (pronounced like sip-res) of Mesa was admitted on April 15 with COVID pneumonia --- a severe complication from the virus, according to a release.

His condition worsened, and two weeks later on April 29 he was put on a ventilator to help him breathe.

The 63-year-old patient stayed on the ventilator for almost one month until he was removed from it May 23.

As his condition began to improve, Mr. Cipres was eventually taken out of intensive care and remained on a regular patient floor until he was discharged the afternoon of June 3.

Once released from Banner Baywood, he was taken to a rehabilitation center for further treatment and care.

Before he left the hospital, he waved to the nurses, doctors and staff as they lined the hallway to wish him well.

As his patient gurney proceeded down the hallway to the elevator, he carried a sign that read, “I survived COVID-19.”