March 18, 2020, is the date when the first Oklahoma life was lost to COVID-19 in the pandemic that continues to have a dire global impact. Observing that grim anniversary, OU Health will host a virtual event to acknowledge the first pandemic fatality in our state, and to commemorate all lives lost in the year that followed. The ceremony at OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center will be live-streamed via Facebook on March 18, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.
Danny Cavett, director of Pastoral Care for the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, said events such as the planned remembrance ceremony play an important role to help people process traumatic events. “The pandemic experience has reminded us how much we need each other, and how faith anchors us through adversity,” he said. “It is appropriate to acknowledge the depth of our loss. Paradoxically, one way we express our loss is by celebrating the life of each person we loved who is no longer with us. There is healing in this process that helps us move forward with purpose and resolve.”
The remembrance ceremony will honor and commemorate those who lost their lives to COVID-19. Presenters will include interfaith clergy, a number of physicians and other frontline healthcare professionals also will share perspectives and reflections about their experiences during the pandemic year, and the ways it has influenced their lives, personally and professionally. With the hospital’s new patient tower and water feature as the backdrop, the event will include the lighting of luminaries to honor those who lost their lives to COVID-19, with music provided by members of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. All are invited to attend using the Facebook live stream which can be found on the OU Health Facebook page: facebook.com/ouhealth.
