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Macomb County Virus Survivor Uses Helicopter To Feed Life-Saving Hospital

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A Macomb County man who barely survived COVID-19 repaid a hospital by delivering pasta and garlic bread — by helicopter.

"I just thought it'd be something very unique, to fly it in and give them something to see and basically salute them for all the great work they're doing," Jim Santilli said.

He arranged for 400 meals from a restaurant, Villa Penna, for staff at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, MLive.com reported.

All meals didn't fit in the helicopter Wednesday so some pasta arrived by truck. The county sheriff's aviation unit donated use of the helicopter, pilot and fuel.

He said doctors were running out of options for him in March before giving him hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. Santilli returned home to Bruce Township in a few days.

"They're seeing a lot of suffering in there," Santilli, 38, said. "They're true heroes."

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