Belp: Madeleine Graf’s Long COVID
- BERN, Switzerland – On March 11, 2020, Madeleine Graf, then a Grand Councilor from the Green Party, addressed the Bernese town hall regarding the increased availability...
- Graf supported the initiative, mentioning Belp's "very nice castle" as a potential location.
- That day coincided wiht the World Health organization's declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former Swiss Politician Reflects on COVID-19 ordeal
Key Points
- Madeleine Graf contracted COVID-19 in March 2020, leading to severe health complications.
- Following her initial diagnosis, Graf suffered a brain hemorrhage.
- Her political involvement has been significantly curtailed due to ongoing health issues.
- Currently,she supports a school class in Wabern and participates in her church choir.
BERN, Switzerland – On March 11, 2020, Madeleine Graf, then a Grand Councilor from the Green Party, addressed the Bernese town hall regarding the increased availability of castles as wedding venues within the canton.
Graf supported the initiative, mentioning Belp’s “very nice castle” as a potential location. however, she raised concerns about limited time slots, questioning the appeal of early morning or late evening ceremonies.
That day coincided wiht the World Health organization’s declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 11, 2020, also marked Graf’s final appearance at the cantonal parliament. The convergence of these events woudl soon dramatically alter her life.
The parliamentary session concluded the following day. Four days later, Switzerland entered a state of emergency declared by the Federal Council. Shortly thereafter, Graf consulted a physician due to feeling unwell.
“From a Hundred to Zero”
What followed was a protracted period of suffering. Looking back five years later, Graf’s mobility is severely limited. She relies on a walking aid and supplemental oxygen, only briefly able to manage without it during moments of rest. The use of her left hand is also restricted.
Her life, once vibrant and active, decelerated rapidly. “From a hundred to zero,” she described.
Graf’s memories of spring 2020 are fragmented. She recalls visiting the doctor with a severe cough, but relies on her husband’s accounts for much of what transpired.
Adrian Graf serves as the headmaster of the Dorfschulhaus in Belp, a role he previously shared with his wife. Although she had retired in 2020, her illness preempted her plans.
Brain Hemorrhage Followed COVID-19
Following her COVID-19 diagnosis, Graf’s condition worsened. She was hospitalized, and soon after, suffered a brain hemorrhage.
“It was a very challenging time,” Adrian Graf recounted. “We didn’t know if she would make it.”
Graf spent several weeks in intensive care, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation program. The brain hemorrhage left her with lasting physical impairments.
Finding New Purpose
Despite her physical limitations, Graf remains active within her community. she volunteers at a local school in Wabern, assisting a class of young students.
”It’s wonderful to be able to contribute something,” Graf said. “The children give me so much joy.”
She also finds solace and community in her church choir, where she sings regularly.
While she misses her political involvement, Graf has found new ways to make a difference. Her experience has given her a unique perspective on the importance of health and community.
Former Swiss Politician Battles Lingering Health Issues After COVID-19 and Stroke
BERN, Switzerland – Madeleine Graf, a former member of the Grand Council in switzerland, faces ongoing health challenges following a bout with COVID-19 and a subsequent stroke. Her journey highlights the potential long-term impacts of the virus,even in individuals who have seemingly recovered.
Graf’s initial complaints worsened in early April,leading to her admission to the emergency ward at Inselspital in Bern. During her three-week stay, she suffered a brain hemorrhage, resulting in left-side paralysis.
Adrian Graf, her husband, noted that the exact cause of the hemorrhage remains unclear. however, he suggested a possible link to blood-thinning medication she was prescribed at the time.
Following the hemorrhage, Graf underwent rehabilitation at the Anna-Seiler-Haus. “She had to relearn how to walk, sit up, and eat,” Adrian Graf said. Both he and Madeleine emphasize the quality of care she received during her recovery.
Life Altered
Despite initial grim prognoses, Graf has made meaningful progress in her recovery. Her language abilities remained intact, a crucial factor in her rehabilitation, according to her husband.
However, the Grafs’ lives have been irrevocably changed. They relocated to a stair-free home to accommodate Madeleine’s mobility issues. Adrian Graf explained that his wife requires assistance with daily tasks, such as cooking, due to weakness in her left hand. despite these challenges, she maintains her independence by using public transportation and remaining active in her community.
In a column published in the “Bernese landbat,” Graf wrote about navigating the “many little obstacles” that now define her daily life. She has learned to accept assistance, a significant adjustment for the formerly independent politician.
While Graf has not been formally diagnosed with Long COVID, she believes her ongoing health issues are a direct consequence of her initial coronavirus infection, compounded by the effects of the brain hemorrhage.
Resignation from the Grand Council
Graf’s last legislative effort occurred in the summer of 2020, when a motion concerning naphthalene and other chemical substances in public buildings was presented in her absence by a party colleague, Thomas Gerber. she attended two sessions in the winter of 2020 and spring of 2021 but missed several others.
graf officially resigned from her position at the end of May 2021. The Green Party of Canton Bern acknowledged her dedication to educational issues and the integration of minor migrants.
During the Grand Council’s closing ceremony on March 15, 2022, Council President Hervé Gullotti (SP) reflected on the challenges of the preceding two years.
Gullotti specifically mentioned “the parliamentarians who suffered from the virus, especially Madeleine Graf-Rudolf, who had to give up their political office to recover from their illness.”
Finding Joy
Graf expressed regret at being unable to continue her work in cantonal politics. “I had to notice that there is no future in the town hall for me,” she said, recalling her initial enthusiasm upon joining the Grand Council in August 2016. ”I felt that my place was here.”
Adrian Graf noted the emotional challenges his wife faced in adjusting to her limitations. Though, she finds joy and fulfillment in other aspects of her life.
Despite the obstacles, Madeleine Graf continues to find joy in her work at school and during vacations.
Graf balances Politics, Community, and Anticipated Greek Holiday
BELP, Switzerland (AP) — Madeleine Graf, a former Grand Councilor of the Greens, remains active in local politics and community affairs despite acknowledging limited strength. Graf,a past president of Green Belp,still participates in community meetings.
Beyond her political involvement, Graf dedicates time to a local school. Once a week, the former headmistress assists a class with first and second-grade students at the Wabern school. She also lends her voice to the pop choir of the Reformed Church of Belp.
Graf is now anticipating a holiday in Greece, where she expects to find respite. “I don’t need an oxygen device there,” she said, noting the air’s density at sea level.
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Former Swiss Politician Battles Lingering Health Issues After COVID-19 and Stroke
BERN, switzerland – Madeleine Graf, a former member of the Grand Council in switzerland, faces ongoing health challenges following a bout with COVID-19 and a subsequent stroke. Her journey highlights the potential long-term impacts of the virus,even in individuals who have seemingly recovered.
Graf’s initial complaints worsened in early April,leading to her admission to the emergency ward at Inselspital in Bern. During her three-week stay, she suffered a brain hemorrhage, resulting in left-side paralysis.
Adrian Graf, her husband, noted that the exact cause of the hemorrhage remains unclear. though, he suggested a possible link to blood-thinning medication she was prescribed at the time.
Following the hemorrhage, graf underwent rehabilitation at the Anna-Seiler-Haus.”She had to relearn how to walk, sit up, and eat,” Adrian Graf said. Both he and Madeleine emphasize the quality of care she received during her recovery.
Life Altered
Despite initial grim prognoses, Graf has made meaningful progress in her recovery. Her language abilities remained intact, a crucial factor in her rehabilitation, according to her husband.
Though, the Grafs’ lives have been irrevocably changed. They relocated to a stair-free home to accommodate Madeleine’s mobility issues. Adrian Graf explained that his wife requires assistance with daily tasks, such as cooking, due to weakness in her left hand.despite these challenges,she maintains her independence by using public transportation and remaining active in her community.
In a column published in the “Bernese landbat,” Graf wrote about navigating the “many little obstacles” that now define her daily life. She has learned to accept assistance, a significant adjustment for the formerly autonomous politician.
While Graf has not been formally diagnosed with Long COVID,she believes her ongoing health issues are a direct outcome of her initial coronavirus infection,compounded by the effects of the brain hemorrhage.
Resignation from the Grand Council
Graf’s last legislative effort occurred in the summer of 2020, when a motion concerning naphthalene and other chemical substances in public buildings was presented in her absence by a party colleague, Thomas Gerber. she attended two sessions in the winter of 2020 and spring of 2021 but missed several others.
graf officially resigned from her position at the end of may 2021. The Green Party of Canton Bern acknowledged her dedication to educational issues and the integration of minor migrants.
During the Grand Council’s closing ceremony on March 15, 2022, Council President Hervé gullotti (SP) reflected on the challenges of the preceding two years.
Gullotti specifically mentioned “the parliamentarians who suffered from the virus,especially Madeleine Graf-Rudolf,who had to give up their political office to recover from their illness.”
Finding Joy
Graf expressed regret at being unable to continue her work in cantonal politics. “I had to notice that there is no future in the town hall for me,” she said, recalling her initial enthusiasm upon joining the Grand council in August 2016. ”I felt that my place was here.”
Adrian Graf noted the emotional challenges his wife faced in adjusting to her limitations. Though, she finds joy and fulfillment in other aspects of her life.
Despite the obstacles, Madeleine Graf continues to find joy in her work at school and during vacations.