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Dr. Carmina Fuentebella, a then 26-year old resident doctor of University of Santo Tomas Hospital, garnered attention and sympathy online after friends posted about her battle with COVID-19.

Carmina contracted the coronavirus and was in critical condition after being intubated. She is reportedly still recovering from the disease in a hospital.

On her 27th birthday this April 24, Carmina posted on her Facebook about receiving "the best gift yet--the gift of life."

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She wrote, "Today, April 24, 2020, I celebrate my 27th birthday with probably the best gift yet--the gift of life."

"These past couple of weeks have been really tough for me, but I could only imagine how much harder it has been for everyone else.

"It took me quite a while to fully comprehend what I just went through, but I'm really grateful to everyone who has been with me all the way," she said.

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She then thanked all her consultants, co-residents, nurses, family, and friends for their prayers. She also admitted that at some point, she felt she was seeing a "dead end" in her battle.

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"It felt like a dead end, but through everyone's efforts and prayers I'm finally on my way to full recovery.

"I may be down, but rest assured that I will come back and once again battle at the frontlines--stronger and maybe a *little bit* more careful than before. It is, and it will always be an honor for me to train and serve under USTH."

She also showed support and gratitude for all frontliners.

"Finally, to all my fellow frontliners, I pray you all remain safe as this pandemic continues to wreak havoc. We still have a long way to go, but I hope we can all stay healthy as we try to defeat this virus."

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