.jpg)
Wlaf1450
This is the second in a series of four stories on COVID-19 survivor Zach Lloyd.
TOP PHOTO: There is reason to smile for Zach Lloyd.
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Over the past five months, a church, community and hospital have ridden the ebb and flow with Rev. Zach Lloyd through COVID-19, its lasting effects and his eventual double-lung transplant. Lloyd has become their “hope story” at Vanderbilt Medical Center.
“We are so thankful for all the support, because there were many dark days and very scary days,” said the pastor’s wife, Sara.
Now in rehabilitation, Zach left Vanderbilt Medical Center with the dubious distinction of being the sickest, youngest patient ever VMC. At the time, there were only three other cases like Zach’s around the country, COVID patients receiving double-lung transplants. There’s still a great deal of uncertainty with COVID and double-lung transplant patients prompting close eyes being kept on Zach.
The pastor recalled a few times over the years of being down after Sunday morning services thinking “our members are just not listening; not getting it.” He now knows better, because “they were listening.”
The proof came during some of his darkest days. Every Saturday morning at 10 am, there was a parking lot full of prayer warriors at East La Follette Baptist Church. “It showed me how God has moved in our church as they prayed for me and others. To see the desire they have has truly been a blessing,” added Zach.
The MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit) floor became Zach’s second home at VMC. His congregation celebrated his 38th birthday in January in a unique, moving and lasting way. They sent a big container packed with snacks, note pads and pens, gum and many more items for the nurses and staff on the eighth floor. It was a great moment.
“I don’t understand why we’ve gone through this, but God answers prayers. I want to make sure people know there is hope,” said Sara Lloyd, Zach’s wife.
On Wednesday, WLAF features “The goals of celebrating birthdays and performing a wedding ceremony serve as Lloyd’s goals.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/09/2021-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON AND SARA LLOYD)
God still does miracles.. God truly had his hand on your life.. Through prayers of the people God heard.. Will contiue to lift you up for complete healing .. Prayers from Kentucky.. To God be the Glory..🙏🙏🙏
Zach, our church has been praying for you every Sunday, FINCASTLE Methodist Church .God is truly the great
healer. We pray you will continue to heal. We love you and your family.
Jerry and Charlotte Dagley
Zach. What a journey you have led us through and we are still traveling with you. It’s not over yet. Joe and I prayed Gods will everyday and his peace for you. I have learned many lessons over the past few months One big one is ask and then let God be in control. Sometimes his timing is not ours. You surely brought a community together in prayer and love. Your church Has been listening and they got it Love you to the moon and back. Hurry get well and come home.
Gail Herrin Brown
Zach, there hasn’t been a day gone by that I have not lifted you and your family up in prayer! God s the great Physician! Prayers for your continued healing and strength for Sara and the kiddos! Love ya buddy!
Sherry Bowman