Sally Hartshorn
WARRIORS
This was my first Long COVID piece. It represents the vulnerability and frailness I felt during my hyperbaric oxygen treatment (for Long COVID). I was so exhausted, the only thing I had energy for was getting better. I felt like I needed to protect myself from anything that would interfere with my healing.
LEAVING THE FOG BEHIND
I made this piece shortly after I finished my hyperbaric oxygen treatment and was on my way to recovery. My brain was much clearer and the faces in the boat represent the disconnection I felt from reality when I was sick. Also, when I started healing, I was determined to somehow help those left behind and bring Long COVID awareness to the medical community and general public. This boat also represents me helping those who still suffered with Long COVID. I did end up coordinating a national long COVID art exhibit in Loveland, where I live.
THE PROTECTOR
I made this last piece some time after I recovered from Long COVID. I believe that, for a long time, I suffered from PTSD related to being sick. When I was at my worst, I was gaslit by someone very close to me and opted to end that relationship. It was one of the hardest decisions I had ever made in my life. While the medical community was supportive and well-intended, they provided almost no answers for me. I had to do all the research on my own. I emerged from my illness terrified of getting sick again,stepping into a world where almost no one masked and left with a broken heart. I felt I needed a protector to help me reintegrate into the functioning world. Also, during and after my illness, I had many experiences of nature sitting with me and holding my hand as I healed. Thus, the bark and other objects from the wild. The displaced face represents yet
another source of help for my protector (who has arrows slung over her shoulder). My wonderful husband stuck by my side throughout my entire illness and we are now out biking, and hiking once again. Life is good.
Sally is a retired RN whose experience with Long COVID is reflected in her art. Her art has been in many exhibits in Colorado. After 69 years of excellent health and a full, active life, everything changed when Sally contracted COVID in February 2023. She experienced an unexpected loss of both mental and physical function and felt abandoned by a medical system that had few answers.
After 80 hours of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, she made a full recovery. The experience transformed her life and her art. She began pouring her frustration, fear, and joy into her work—fearless and unrestrained. That healing process led her to organize a national art exhibit by and for those living with Long COVID, giving others a chance to share their stories through their art. As an artist and retired RN, Sally is committed to continue advocating for people who still suffer from Long COVID.