SALEM, Ohio - A graduation party was held in Salem on Tuesday. 99-year-old Madelyn Damiano was released from the Salem West Healthcare Center after officially beating Covid-19.

"My mom is one tough cookie and if anybody can do something, she'll do it," said Madelyn's son, Mike Damiano.

Holding balloons in her wheelchair, Madelyn was showered with cheers and signs of encouragement. She was given a teddy bear and flowers and there was a touching moment between her and her son. Madelyn had to wipe back tears.

"She's an amazing woman, she really is and tough as they come, that's her generation, she's gonna be 100 years old here pretty soon so year, it's unreal," Damiano said.

"I was definitely scared for her to come in here at first," said Crystal Wright, an LPN and dayshift nurse who took care of Madelyn. "She has been the strongest 99-year-old woman I have ever met and it was a very emotional goodbye but she was so happy to get that negative and I am so happy for her to be going on to rehab, she's gonna do amazing."

Madelyn spent 40 days in hospitals since late March but was determined to beat the odds.

"I could see the spirit in her eyes and she even told me if I have to get up and walk around this room I'm gonna get this out of me, I'm a fighter and I know she is, she's gone through so many things in her life," Damiano said.

The journey isn't over, Madelyn still has rehab, but certainly isn't ready to give up now.

"I hope I make it all the way. I know I have long way ahead yet and I hope I can do it," said Madelyn.

There are a lot of people who definitely believe she can. 

"This is a day I will never forget," said Mike.