For Eric Florka, a gas lineman at Consumers Energy based in Royal Oak, Michigan, his mask is now his mission.
In the spring, Florka spent 44 days in the hospital, on a respirator and fighting for his life after he was diagnosed with COVID-19. At his lowest point, a 105-degree fever raged through his body, leaving his arms and legs useless. For his wife, son and daughter, he says, “It wasn’t, ‘Is Dad going to die?’ They knew I was going to.”
He credits infectious disease physician Elfatih Abter at McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital for saving his life. A plasma donation meant for another patient—who had recovered—was designated to Florka, and Abter fought for emergency Food and Drug Administration authorization for Florka to get the drug remdesivir, which has shown some benefits in fighting COVID-19.
Since he returned home and then to work this summer, Florka has been a vocal advocate for mask wearing—anywhere he can find a platform. He has been featured on a Consumers Energy podcast and was interviewed by several Michigan media outlets, and he will be featured in a publication of the National Union Board.
“If one person changes their mind [about wearing a mask],” said Florka, “I’ve met my goal.” As of September, he had received hundreds of supportive emails from people who heard his story.
A former hockey champion, Jet-Ski racer and military member, Florka says what has stuck with him most throughout this journey is the children who’ve lost their lives to COVID-19—and why he, who has already lived so much of his life, was spared. “I had a rough time dealing with this—why I lived and that little girl died,” he said.
“So, if I can spread this message: I don’t care how tough you are ... you’re never too cool to wear a mask. Just mask up; it’s that easy. Just do it. ... Why wouldn’t you do it for [the people you love] if you don’t want to do it for yourself?”