HOG TECHNOLOGIES
49
Treasure Coast Medical Report
GIFT of LIFE
Facebook posting leads to successful
coronavirus treatment
When James Crocker, founder and president of
Hog Technologies, attended the WWETT Trade
Show and the Conservative Political Action Conference
in late February, the economy was strong
and 2020 looked promising. Then the winds of optimism
seemed to change direction.
He came home and attended a funeral for his nephew. By
March 8, Crocker had developed symptoms that he thought
indicated the flu — a bad headache, 102 degree fever, exhaustion,
body aches, heavy nausea and issues with his lower
tract. The possibility of having the coronavirus seemed out of
the question.
“At that time, there were very, very few cases in America,
so it was the furthest thing from my mind,” he says.
Then one day he felt better and decided to play a round of
golf to get his mind off of work and relax.
“I remember ordering a hot dog at the ninth hole and trying
to eat the hot dog,” he says. “I couldn’t taste anything — no
taste, no smell. I love hot dogs, but I threw most of it away.”
Days passed and he still had not recovered. Crocker’s wife,
Sandee Jo, had a sinking suspicion that he had COVID-19, so
she insisted her husband get tested for the virus. He went to
the hospital and was initially diagnosed with pneumonia.
“I had no breathing problems, just a slight dry cough,” he
>>
BY DONNA CRARY
Stuart resident James
Crocker is an outspoken
advocate of
donating plasma for
COVID-19 patients.