Colorado Springs family begs others to wear a mask

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- One day after Governor Jared Polis told the state to "wear a damn mask," a family with an immunocompromised son is begging for people to listen.

"If I get it, I could die," 11-year-old Zander Archuleta said on Friday afternoon.

Zander has worn mask long before the COVID-19 pandemic because he suffers from Hypogammaglobulinemia, which makes his immune system vulnerable.

"What might feel like a cold to them be the end of my kid's life," his mother, Amanda Archuleta explained. She hopes their pleas for others to wear a face-covering helps others who are immunocompromised.

Both were a part of the Colorado Springs #MaskUp Campaign launched in June, but despite their efforts, thousands in Colorado Springs say they still won't wear a mask.

Governor Jared Polis announced Thursday he would not issue a mask-mandate. When asked, Ms. Archuleta said she feels conflicted on the decision as well.

"I want it for the people who can't help themselves but at the same time there are a certain amount of liberties and freedoms. You know people are going to make mistakes. I just hope it's not my kid that has to learn from their mistakes," she explained.

If the plea from Polis to "wear a damn mask" isn't enough, Zander hopes his is.

"Please wear a mask so you don't get COVID-19," he said.