Update On Lightning Anthem Singer: Sonya Is On Way To Recovery

UPDATE!

Sonya is out of the ICU... click here for the update!

Original story from July 23:

Sonya Bryson-Kirksey's husband Jimmie has given Tampa Bay Lightning fans some promising news on the beloved national anthem singer. He tells Fox 13 news that Sonya is now not on a ventilator or in critical condition. Jimmie says Sonya is still having problems breathing, but is "feeling OK."

Jimmie is still unable to see Sonya in person. The two can only communicate via texts and phone calls while she recovers from her bout with the delta variant of COVID-19. As an MS patient, Sonya is far more susceptible to complications from the virus. Fortunately Sonya was fully vaccinated, which might have saved her life. She is asking everyone to roll up their sleeves to get the shots.

It's been a busy month for Sonya. She performed the national anthem at Tampa Bay Lightning home games during the playoffs as well as watch parties when the team was away from Amalie Arena. Jimmie says during the Stanley Cup celebrations last week, some fans asked that Sonya remove her face mask for photos. Jimmie suspects a fan who didn't know they were infected with COVID likely passed it along to Sonya. He says from now on, the mask stays on.

Florida remains one of the most infected states with COVID-19. Governor DeSantis, President Biden, Tampa Bay Lightning players, medical professionals, and Sonya are pleading with Floridians who've been apprehensive to roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated to prevent situations like this. Doing so could save your life, a family member's life, or it could save Sonya.

Until Jimmie can see Sonya in person, he says all he has is her Stanley Cup championship ring and jersey. He says hearing her cry and not being able to console her is the saddest part. [Source: Fox 13]

Sonya was able to celebrate with the team as they floated up the Hillsborough River with the Stanley Cup.