Saying Goodbye to a Friend, a Warrior, and a Healer; The last words of Dr Zev Zelenko “Up your game; stand up and resist!”

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

As I sat down and listened to his message from his hospital bed, my heart hurt. He let his followers know about what was happening to him, and his vulnerability moved me. He passed away last Thursday at the age of 49 from complications with cancer.

Dr Zelenko was born in Kyiv in 1973, and he moved to the United States at the age of three. He practiced medicine in Monroe, NY for over sixteen years. He has cared for approximately 75% of the adult population of Kiryas Joel, which is a close-knit community of approximately 35,000 people. The outbreak of COVID-19 hit close to home for Dr Zelenko because during the early part of the outbreak the infection spread rapidly and unchecked prior to the dissimulation of social distancing.

Dr. Zelenko was one of the first frontline doctors in America that began early in the pandemic treating his patients with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and zinc. News of his accomplishments spread far and wide, and he began working with government and health officials in: Brazil, Honduras, the Ukraine, and Russia. He was highly recognized and had correspondence with President Trump, Senator Ron Johnson, Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and the Commissioner of the FDA, Dr. Stephen M. Hahn.

His success with his patients had reached the ears of the American government, and they were listening. President Trump even referenced Dr. Zelenko as the inspiration for his decision to be treated with the drug.

“I am not anti-vaxx, but I am anti-stupid.”

Like everyone else who has provided an alternative, and preventative treatment to the coronavirus, Dr. Zelenko was slammed in the media, and cast as a right-wing shrill despite the fact that he had documented proof showing significantly fewer hospitalizations and five times less all-cause deaths.

“Even when the sword is on your neck, you should never give up hope.”

His resolve to help humanity was moving. What I learned about Dr Zelenko during our interviews was that he was caring for people, speaking out against the evils of our world, and sharing his knowledge with the world, he was also dealing with his own health issues. He had cancer, was living with one lung, and had heart issues that required surgery.

Somehow, he continued to treat patients, and fight the good fight. Him and I dialogued on and off camera, and he would tell me about some of the challenges that he faced. He never spoke on how he was feeling, if anything, he refused to be a victim to a disease that was slowly eating away at his body.

He was always in good spirits when he called me. His dry humour would make me laugh, and every now and then, I would get a chuckle out of him. He shared many stories with me, and kept me abreast on what was happening all over the world. I owe a lot to Dr Zelenko, because over the last few years, he provided me with the research that I needed in order to do my job well.

“Don’t be afraid of people, be afraid of God!” 

These are words that will stay with me forever.

Rest in Power my friend. I will keep the fight going and ensure that your message remains relevant in a world full of evil. I will miss you!