The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., 79, has been transferred to the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab at Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he will begin “intensive occupational and physical therapy” for his Parkinson’s disease as his COVID-19 symptoms abate, according to a statement from his family.
Jackson’s wife, Jacqueline, 77, has been moved to the ICU at Northwestern as her COVID-19 symptoms persist. She’s not on a ventilator but is receiving increased oxygen and breathing on her own, according to the statement.
The couple was hospitalized with COVID-19 Aug. 21, the Sun-Times reported.
“We continue to receive the love that is being poured out to our family from around the world and it is greatly appreciated, as we express our love and concern for the millions of people who have been victimized by the COVID-19 virus and its variants,” the couple’s son, Jonathan Jackson, said in the statement.
“We know this is a dangerous disease, so please remain prayerful for all of those who are suffering as a result.”
Rev. Jackson received his COVID-19 vaccination in early January, accompanied by viral immunologist Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett, who helped lead the National Institutes of Health team that developed Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine.
Jacqueline Jackson has not been vaccinated, a family spokesman said.
“We urge all who have not yet been vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus to do so immediately,” Jonathan Jackson said in the statement.
