A Nebraska family is urging people to get the flu shot as their daughter continues to fight for her life after getting the virus two years ago.The young mother has been unresponsive and is now in long-term care.Her family said it all started with a flu diagnosis.This family said their daughter's life may have been different if she'd have gotten her flu shot.“She got her CT scan yesterday. So, it's not worse, but it's not better,” said Vicky Bookout, Crystal’s mom.Hospital beds have been the reality for Crystal Velasquez after a flu diagnosis two years ago.“Crystal is at Madonna now. And she was on a vent, but now she's on the extended care. Where she'll be, I mean, the rest of her life,” Bookout said.Now 38, her family said she's been in a mostly unresponsive state since 2019.“It's even hard to go up there and see her but then it's harder to leave her,” Bookout said.She's made some small improvements, they said.“She laughs and she smiles now. And she didn't do that on the vent unit. But she's doing it now,” Bookout said.But her life is vastly different than it was before.A Seahawks football fan, lover of music and giving soul, Velasquez's family says she started to feel sick in early December 2019.After getting medication for her influenza diagnosis, they say she was sent home.Then, they say she went back for a chest X-ray, which revealed pneumonia, but was again sent home.“She came by the house and said she couldn't breathe. And she was coughing. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't do anything,” Bookout said.Her mom said she was rushed to the hospital and intubated. That shock to her body caused her to have a stroke.Those moments would be some of the last her mom would have with her while conscious.“She did tell me she didn't want to die because she just had a bad feeling that something was wrong,” Bookout said."You don’t ever think this is going to happen to your child, especially from the flu.”Bookout said the recovery has been hard and she believes the flu shot could have helped. They hope their daughter will continue to improve and want others to take every virus seriously and get vaccinated.“I know people that don't believe in those shots, the flu shots, and that's up to them. And I have nothing against him for that. But I know it's not going to stop me,” Bookout said.

Gunther the German shepherd spent a recent morning playing with his tennis ball, rolling in the grass, slobbering a little and napping a lot. Later, he had a “meeting” with the real estate agents selling his Miami mansion that his handlers bought from Madonna.And of course Gunther was wearing his very best faux diamond dog collar for the meeting — his real gold collar is back at his main home in Tuscany. As crazy as it sounds even by Florida's standards, Gunther VI inherited his vast fortune, including the eight-bedroom waterfront home once owned by the “Material Girl” singer, from his grandfather Gunther IV. At least that’s what the handlers who manage the estate say.The Tuscan-style villa with views of Biscayne Bay went on sale Wednesday for $31.75 million — a whopping markup from the purchase two decades ago from the pop star for $7.5 million. The home also boasts a gilded framed portrait of Gunther IV over the living room fireplace.The dog's lineage dates back decades to when Gunther III inherited a multimillion-dollar trust from late owner German countess Karlotta Liebenstein when she died in 1992. Since then, a group of handlers have helped maintain a jet-setting lifestyle for a succession of dogs. There are trips to the Milan and the Bahamas, where the latest Gunther recently dined out at restaurants every evening — his handlers like to make sure he's well socialized.A chef cooks his breakfast each morning made of the finest meat, fresh vegetables and rice. Sometimes he enjoys caviar, but there's never any kibble in sight. He travels by private jet, works on obedience skills daily with his trainer and sleeps in a lavish round, red velvet bed overlooking the bay.“He lives in Madonna’s former master bedroom,” said real estate agent Ruthie Assouline who nabbed the listing with her husband Ethan for the 1.2-acre property in a row of a half-dozen waterfront homes next to a public county park and on the same street where Sylvester Stallone once lived.“He literally sleeps overlooking the most magnificent view in an Italian custom bed in the former bedroom of the greatest pop star in the world.”Carla Riccitelli is one of Gunther's main caretakers and is on a board that manages the trust now worth almost $500 million, deciding when to buy and sell real estate. The group has even purchased sports teams, including a men's soccer team and women's swimming team and, yes, Gunther played on the field and attended the meets, she said.Riccitelli, a 52-year-old animal lover who resides in Tuscany, met the group taking care of Gunther nearly 30 years ago. She instantly connected with the dog and the mission of the trust, and joined the team. She also helped form Gunther Rescue a few years ago to care for other animals.She has taken care of the last three Gunthers and often brings the current dog with her on routine trips to the market or visits to the kennel where she cares for strays.“He's not aggressive at all,” she said, saying many people write off the breed as wolves. “He's very good with other animals.”“They're very protective with their owner, with their people. They like to have the family around so I usually invite friends with other dogs over,” she said during a phone interview.She talks with the board that oversees the trust a few times a month. The Miami real estate market is so hot, with such limited inventory, they decided it was an opportune time to sell.The Assouline's are accustomed to multi-million dollar listings, but this one seemed unbelievable.“When it was explained that this house was bought by this German shepherd, I was like, ‘What are you talking about? I’m not following you',” Ruthie Assouline said.When she first met Gunther, he covered her face with such sloppy kisses that he licked off her lipstick, she laughed.As luxurious as Gunther's life sounds, he still has drama and hardships like everyone. Back in Italy, Riccitelli has two other dogs that live with Gunther — his favorite playmates.But she also has six cats and a couple of chickens.Let's just say it's a work in progress, Riccitelli said.“He's still learning to be with six cats.”

MIAMI —

Gunther the German shepherd spent a recent morning playing with his tennis ball, rolling in the grass, slobbering a little and napping a lot. Later, he had a “meeting” with the real estate agents selling his Miami mansion that his handlers bought from Madonna.

And of course Gunther was wearing his very best faux diamond dog collar for the meeting — his real gold collar is back at his main home in Tuscany. As crazy as it sounds even by Florida's standards, Gunther VI inherited his vast fortune, including the eight-bedroom waterfront home once owned by the “Material Girl” singer, from his grandfather Gunther IV. At least that’s what the handlers who manage the estate say.

The Tuscan-style villa with views of Biscayne Bay went on sale Wednesday for $31.75 million — a whopping markup from the purchase two decades ago from the pop star for $7.5 million. The home also boasts a gilded framed portrait of Gunther IV over the living room fireplace.

The dog's lineage dates back decades to when Gunther III inherited a multimillion-dollar trust from late owner German countess Karlotta Liebenstein when she died in 1992. Since then, a group of handlers have helped maintain a jet-setting lifestyle for a succession of dogs. There are trips to the Milan and the Bahamas, where the latest Gunther recently dined out at restaurants every evening — his handlers like to make sure he's well socialized.

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

A chef cooks his breakfast each morning made of the finest meat, fresh vegetables and rice. Sometimes he enjoys caviar, but there's never any kibble in sight. He travels by private jet, works on obedience skills daily with his trainer and sleeps in a lavish round, red velvet bed overlooking the bay.

“He lives in Madonna’s former master bedroom,” said real estate agent Ruthie Assouline who nabbed the listing with her husband Ethan for the 1.2-acre property in a row of a half-dozen waterfront homes next to a public county park and on the same street where Sylvester Stallone once lived.

“He literally sleeps overlooking the most magnificent view in an Italian custom bed in the former bedroom of the greatest pop star in the world.”

Carla Riccitelli is one of Gunther's main caretakers and is on a board that manages the trust now worth almost $500 million, deciding when to buy and sell real estate. The group has even purchased sports teams, including a men's soccer team and women's swimming team and, yes, Gunther played on the field and attended the meets, she said.

Riccitelli, a 52-year-old animal lover who resides in Tuscany, met the group taking care of Gunther nearly 30 years ago. She instantly connected with the dog and the mission of the trust, and joined the team. She also helped form Gunther Rescue a few years ago to care for other animals.

She has taken care of the last three Gunthers and often brings the current dog with her on routine trips to the market or visits to the kennel where she cares for strays.

“He's not aggressive at all,” she said, saying many people write off the breed as wolves. “He's very good with other animals.”

“They're very protective with their owner, with their people. They like to have the family around so I usually invite friends with other dogs over,” she said during a phone interview.

She talks with the board that oversees the trust a few times a month. The Miami real estate market is so hot, with such limited inventory, they decided it was an opportune time to sell.

The Assouline's are accustomed to multi-million dollar listings, but this one seemed unbelievable.

“When it was explained that this house was bought by this German shepherd, I was like, ‘What are you talking about? I’m not following you',” Ruthie Assouline said.

When she first met Gunther, he covered her face with such sloppy kisses that he licked off her lipstick, she laughed.

As luxurious as Gunther's life sounds, he still has drama and hardships like everyone. Back in Italy, Riccitelli has two other dogs that live with Gunther — his favorite playmates.

But she also has six cats and a couple of chickens.

Let's just say it's a work in progress, Riccitelli said.

“He's still learning to be with six cats.”

Related video above: Nicki Minaj & Lorde CANCEL VMAs Performance & Normani JoinsLil Nas X won video of the year at Sunday's MTV VMAs on a night that Justin Bieber triumphantly returned to the stage as a performer and as winner of the artist of the year.“I do not take this for granted,” Lil Nas X said while accepting the night’s final award for the music video for his song, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).”Much of the early show belonged to Bieber, who for his first VMAs performance in six years rappelled from the ceiling of the Barclays Center at the start of the show for an energetic performance of “Stay” with Kid LAROI and then his single “Ghost.”The VMAs celebrated MTV's 40th anniversary, mixing moments between early network stars like Cyndi Lauper and show opener Madonna with high-octane performances by newer stars like Olivia Rodrigo, Lil Nas X, Camila Cabello and Chloe.Bieber was the leading nominee going into the ceremony. He took home the best pop honor for “Peaches,” a song that featured Daniel Caesar and Giveon - who accompanied him onstage.Sporting baggy clothes and a hoodie, Bieber showed his appreciation for the awards being in-person and thanked his wife, Hailey, for supporting him.“As we know, there’s so much going on in the world as we speak,” Bieber said during his acceptance speech after winning artist of the year. “I know you guys have probably heard it a lot. We are in unprecedented times with this COVID thing that's happening right now. It's a big deal. Music is such an amazing outlet to be able to reach people and bring us all together. That's why we are here right now. We’re all here together.”Opening the show, Madonna told the screaming crowd: “They said we wouldn’t last. But we’re still here.”Moments after Olivia Rodrigo performed her hit “good 4 u,” she collected the night's first award for her massive hit song “Drivers License.” She later won best new artist.“I feel so grateful that I get to write music, make stuff that I love and call it my job,” said Rodrigo, the first-time nominee. Earlier in the awards, the singer called this the “most magical year of my life.”Jennifer Lopez, who three days earlier made her re-kindled romance with Ben Affleck official on the red carpet of his new film "“The Last Duel" at the Venice International Film Festival, presented Rodrigo her trophy.Billie Eilish won the fan-voted video for good for her song “Your Power.” In her acceptance speech, she said Alicia Keys kissed her on the cheek, spoke about the satisfaction of writing the song and women empowerment.Eilish and Rosalía won best Latin video for their song “Lo Vas A Olvidar." BTS won three awards including group of the year, best K-pop and song of summer for “Butter.”“We need to protect our own women at all costs,” said Eilish, while her brother-producer Finneas applauded his sister from his seat. “We need to remember that we all have power. We have to remember not to abuse it.”Lauper, who presented Bieber with his first award, advocated for equal rights for women.“Girls still want to have fun,” said Lauper, known for classic melody “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” “But we also want to have funds, equal pay, control over our bodies, you know, fundamental rights.”Lil Nas X hit the stage with Jack Harlow, then he performed his controversial song “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)." Kacey Musgraves and Shawn Mendes also hit the stage.Olympic gymnastic champion Simone Biles introduced Doja Cat — the show's host — who went aerial during her performance. With wires holding her up, Doja Cat glided over the crowd and landed on stage as she performed “Been Like This” and “You Right.”Before the show, Machine Gun Kelly got into a heated argument on the red carpet with UFC fighter Conner McGregor. Video showed McGregor being held back by security from Kelly who later won best alternative for his song “My Ex's Best Friend,” featuring Blackbear.Kelly said he initially didn't want to release the song, but thanked his label for going against his wishes. He also gave thanks to the director of the song's music video, despite their squabble on set.“I haven’t talked to you since we did because we got into a fight on set, but it’s a great video and I’m so glad we won,” he said. “We won!”Megan Thee Stallion entered the show as the second-leading nominee with six nominations. BTS, Doja Cat, Drake, Giveon, Lil Nas X and Rodrigo each had five nods.The Foo Fighters performed and then accepted the Global Icon Award, an honor handed out for the first time at the VMAs. The award recognizes an artist or band “whose unparalleled career and continued impact and influence has maintained a unique level of global success in music and beyond.”The prestigious award was previously presented at the annual MTV Europe Music Awards. Past recipients include Queen, Eminem and Whitney Houston.The rock band – comprised of Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear and Rami Jaffee – performed several of their hits including “Learn to Fly” and “Shame Shame.” It was their first performance at the VMAs since 2007.Eilish presented the Global Icon Award to the group, who thanked MTV veterans from Kurt Loder to Tabitha Soren.“Thank you very much for this award,” Grohl said. “We’ll see you in another 26 years.”

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 symptomsFor 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."

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."

Courtesy Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital

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."