HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — For Emily Worthem, music is a way to escape the stress of the last year.
When the music stops, it's time to go back to work as an ICU nurse with UCHealth, caring for COVID-19 patients.
"COVID is such a tough thing that nobody has been able to grasp," Worthem said.
One day, Worthem tried to put the virus into words by writing a song about.
"At the end of it, I say is anyone fighting but us? I know that’s not true. I know the entire nation is fighting through it, and it’s more than just the health care workers that have been fighting, but that’s kind of what it feels like sometimes working in a COVID ICU," Worthem said.
Her song got the attention of someone within the Biden administration.
"The inauguration team, I guess, liked my voice and asked me to be part of the sing-along for a portion that featured health care workers," Worthem said.
Worthem pre-recorded her part before the song aired. Little did she know, she would be a back up singer to Grammy-nominated Demi Lovato.
"That was incredible. I’m such a Demi Lovato fan," Worthem said.
The pandemic has now reached one year in the U.S. That time is taking it's toll.
"It does feel nonstop. I feel tired. I’m sure all of my fellow health care workers feel tired as well," Worthem said. "But I’d say that’s what the pandemic has done."
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Worthem remains committed and optimistic.
"I never expected it to last this long or to get this bad," Worthem sai, "but I’m hopeful that the vaccine coming out we have a light at the end of the tunnel."