Family celebrates loved one who battled COVID-19 with a drive-by parade

BAKERSFIELD,Calif. — In a Northwest neighborhood on Sunday, cars flooded the home of 26-year-old Kandy Alcala for her welcome parade, after beating COVID-19.

"I was having fever non-stop, I couldn't breathe and I was just having a hard time with everything," said Alcala. "I was in a coma and I did have a heart attack from it."

Alcala shares she’s was hospitalized on July 4, after feeling ill for nearly a week. She never thought it was the virus and had not taken the virus seriously.

Over 20 cars fully packed the neighborhood as they all recall the moment Alcala almost didn't make it.
Alcala was even placed on a ventilator for 2.5 weeks. Her sister, who too, tested positive for the virus and says she still can’t believe she’s here.

She has this message for the community.

"I would like to bring awareness because I took COVID as a joke," Alcala said.
"So I really encourage people to wear their masks, wash their hands, stay six feet distance. So take it seriously, because I'm in a wheelchair because of it."