Principal Michael Cosentino left Richmond University Hospital Center for the first time in more than a month after a terrifying battle with COVID-19.

"I'm just thankful to God that I'm alive and that everyone rallied around me," said Cosentino.

Hundreds from the St. Peter's Boy's High School Community gathered outside RUMC to welcome their principal whom they call "Mr. Cos," celebrating his improving health. It's a stunning turnaround for what hospital officials say was one of the most serious cases they've treated.

"He had major lung injury, a lot of inflammation causing him to go into respiratory failure, he required life support mechanical ventilation," said Dr. Keith Diaz, a pulmonologist.

"I can't remember a lot, I gotta be honest with you," said Cosentino. "I was in a bad state but once I was out, it was just about getting home, getting to be with my family."

The 35-year-old father of four was immediately sent to intensive care after being admitted to the hospital last month. Catholic schools across Staten Island, held vigils for his recovery.

"It's miraculous the power of prayer and to see everyone come together. Mr. Cos means so much, just not our family, to his own, to his friends and to St. Peters" said Barbi Crocitto, a parent.

Doctors say the outcome in his case is the result of diligent care from everyone on his treatment team.

"They have to work incessantly for over a month and being attentive to the minimum details to make this recovery happen," said Dr. Francesco Rotatori, chief of cardiology. "There the disease is still there. This is the proof of the fact that people can get severely sick still," said Dr. Francesco Rotatori, RUMC chief of cardiology.

It's all the more reason for Cosentino to be thankful.

"The staff was unbelievable here. The nursing staff brought me back to life. I'm just grateful," said Cosentino.