Congressman Mark DeSaulnier is no longer in intensive care in his battle against non-COVID-19 pneumonia, his sons Tristan and Tucker DeSaulnier announced Monday.
“Our Dad is a fighter, he has made good progress, and today he moved out of the intensive care unit and will continue to be treated in the hospital for non-COVID pneumonia, and begin a journey towards recovery,” they said. “This would be difficult enough at any time, but given the daily dangers we all face from the coronavirus, his path ahead is especially complicated.”
DeSaulnier, 68, developed pneumonia stemming from a traumatic rib fracture he suffered after falling during his daily run in Washington D.C. He was admitted to the hospital on Friday, March 13, to treat complications from pneumonia. At the time, he was in serious, but stable condition, and he tested negative for the coronavirus, or COVID-19. However, his condition would deteriorate.
“We are incredibly grateful for the tireless efforts of the ICU doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who cared for our Dad and go above and beyond for everyone who enters their doors,” Tristan and Tucker said.
Heartfelt concerns and well-wishes from the community “have kept Dad going, and we can’t thank everyone enough,” they added.
DeSaulnier was elected to his current post in 2014 and represents California’s 11th Congressional District, which includes the majority of Contra Costa County. He previously served as a state senator, state assemblymember and as a member of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.
The Concord resident is an avid runner who has completed 21 marathons and is also a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2015.
