LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

A team of nurses in a COVID-19 unit at a Kentucky hospital came together for a ceremony to honor patients who died from complications of COVID-19.

“There was one week where we lost a person every day," said Brittany Dawson, a CNA at UofL Health-Jewish Hospital in Louisville.

Nurses gathered on a roof patio for a “rock cleansing ceremony,” writing the initials of patients they lost on a rock, saying a few words and placing the rocks inside a vase with water. At the end, a nurse poured the water over plants at the hospital.

“I didn't even know that I needed to cry so much until that happened,” Dawson said.

During the emotional ceremony, nurses held hands and comforted each other, much like they’ve done with patients suffering from COVID-19 since March.

“We’re holding their hand as they take their last breath,” CNA Amber Stull said. “They don't have anybody. They're alone and you can see that they're alone and scared.”

The nurses honored the patients for putting up a tough fight with the deadly virus and in many instances having to do so alone.

Now, the nurses must continue their own daily fight as the pandemic continues and the number of cases and deaths from COVID-19 climb.

“It’s emotionally draining. We’re doing everything we can here,” said Shona Neal Smith, RN. “Usually you go home physically drained. This is that times five, sometimes 10.”

Watch the video above to learn more.

COVINGTON, Ky. — As students in Covington Independent Public Schools return to the classroom, schools in the district received grants to help those students navigate any trauma they may have from the pandemic.

Holmes Middle School, Ninth District Elementary, Sixth District Elementary, Latonia Elementary and Holmes High School received $100,000 from the CARES Act with the explicit purpose of supporting the mental health of students through social emotional learning materials. The grants will also provide mental health training for teachers and families.

"We are excited to have these additional funds to help our children and families get back on track emotionally as we recover from the impact of the pandemic," Dr. Janice Wilkerson, the assistant superintendent of Covington Independent Public Schools, said.

Officials said that when schools went to virtual learning, some students withdrew from classes and others failed multiple classes.

“We have found some problems exacerbated as students were isolated for long periods of time," Renata Watts, Youth Services Center coordinator for Holmes Middle School, said. "We know that if (students) cannot connect to their emotions, they cannot thrive academically. We know that we must address the emotional well-being of our students."

Wilkerson said the funds will help students get back on track, and Watts said the grants will make a difference.

"We know it will take some time, but we are prepared to receive our students at where they are, and most importantly, focus on their well-being, thanks to the grant," Watts said.

Greg Schroeter's bout with COVID-19 was relatively mild.

But the other problems it triggered left him hospitalized for nearly three months.

The 51-year-old from rural Humphrey, Nebraska, said his recovery has been long and emotional.

"I went from basically being bedridden, and one of my physical therapists stood me up," he said. "And I looked him eye to eye and I knew I was gonna walk again."

Schroeter documented all his milestones at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals-Lincoln Campus: the first time standing, walking on a robotic treadmill called a Lokomat, and using a walker and walking on his own.

"It's three and a half hours a day of pure hell, but it's worth everything because I'm going to walk out there," Schroeter said.

In November 2020, his wife Kimberly Schroeter, a registered nurse, tested positive for COVID-19. Her symptoms were mild. They wore masks and slept in separate bedrooms.

"I guess I thought I was out of the woods. I was on day 10 of quarantine," Schroeter said.

He was working outside when suddenly he felt pain in his legs. A couple of days later, he could barely move. On Nov. 23, he was taken to Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

Doctors told him he developed Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological disorder that attacks the spinal cord causing paralysis. It was apparently triggered by his exposure to the coronavirus.

"I never would have gotten Guillain-Barre if it wasn't for COVID," he said.

The disease soon began affecting his breathing.

"This is the most painful thing I've ever experienced in my life, and I wouldn't wish it on anybody or my worst enemy," Schroeter said. "It is absolutely awful."

Kimberly Schroeter said she was thankful Greg didn't have to go on a ventilator.

"For some reason, he escaped that twice and that was pretty amazing," she said.

Schroeter also developed a pancreatic cyst that doctors operated on. On Jan. 8, he was well enough to be taken to Madonna.

"I was basically helpless," Schroeter said. "No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't move."

Dr. Paul Krabbenhoft, Madonna's Spinal Cord Injury Program medical director, said Schroeter's case is not unique.

Since the pandemic began, Madonna staff in Lincoln and Omaha have treated 105 patients for post-COVID-19, many with severe side effects.

Krabbenhoft said they have also treated other Guillain-Barre patients. "Something that causes the immune system to respond and then it gets out of kilter and it starts acting on and attacking the central nervous system," Krabbenhoft said.

Schroeter is grateful for all the support from family, friends and co-workers.

"I feel like the prayers that were given to me and the Methodist Hospital team and the Madonna Hospital team, I believe they saved my life," Schroeter said.

Related video: Some COVID-19 survivors experience long-term symptoms

For every milestone Schroeter recorded, his wife would send him a text.

"I would say, my heart is fluttering," she said. "Fluttering was like my word to him every time he did something so amazing."

Schroeter will soon reach another amazing milestone: going home two weeks ahead of schedule.

"He's my hero," Kimberly said. "Everything he's been through and he just never ever gave up. I guess I could say that I think I fell in love with my husband all over again."