Dallas Ebola Patient's Son Asks For Prayers

The Daily Meal Staff|

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The son of Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan tried to visit his father at Presbyterian hospital Tuesday night but wasn't allowed.

"I came down here because I feel like God was calling me," Karsiah Duncan told parishioners at Wilshire Baptist Church.

A college freshman at Angelo State University, Karsiah said he was hoping for a reunion with either his father or mother who's still in isolation. He hasn't seen his father in 16 years. Karsiah also had a message for the community that has rallied around his family.

"Thanks for all the support and keep praying," he said.

Prayer is a large part of the 19 year-old's life right now. His father remains in critical condition, on a ventilator receiving experimental treatment. His mother, Louise Troh, is in quarantine for at least 12 more days. Her other son and nephews are with her.

"For mom, be strong it's hard being in the house for 21 days," said Karsiah.

Complete Coverage Of Ebola In Dallas

Thomas Duncan's case is both a medical and a safety issue. But as Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings reminded people, it's also a human issue.

The Liberian community and Wilshire Baptist Church have wrapped their arms around Duncan's family in support. For now, Karsiah said he is optimistic.

"I hope they find a cure for it," he said.

Thousands of letters of support were delivered to the Duncan family, and they even received a phone call from Chris Brown.

Family, friends and altruistic members of the community will hold a prayer vigil for the Duncan family Wednesday night.

Presbyterian hospital released the explanation for why Duncan's son wasn't allowed to visit him:

As is standard with hospital patients who are unable to make decisions on their own, the patient's representative, as determined under state and federal law, makes decisions about patient access and communications.  We continue to comply with the instructions of the patient's representative. The hospital offered for the patient's son to see his father through skype tonight. However, he decided to wait until tomorrow.

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