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Out-of-work writer thought emailed money was fake. Then teared up over 'incredible gesture'

Johanna Mannone visits her husband Michael Mannone at WellBridge of Rochester Hills but only for 30 minutes and she had to wear a gown and mask. Detroit Free Press

About this series: Free Press sports columnist Jeff Seidel is writing an ongoing series, trying to put a human face on this novel coronavirus pandemic.

Jon Root was in his bedroom, watching church service online Sunday morning when $50 popped up in his Venmo account. He figured it was a mistake, or a scam.

Root, 28, of San Jose, California, did some digging and figured out the money came from Larry Lage, an Associated Press sports writer based in Michigan.