Nina Pham, the first of the two Dallas nurses to contract Ebola from Liberian Thomas Eric Duncan, has been declared virus free and has left the hospital where she had been treated.

The 26-year-old Pham was released Friday morning from the National Institutes of Health hospital near Washington.

“I am fortunate and blessed to be standing here today,” Pham told reporters as she left the hospital.  “I would first and foremost like to thank God, my family and friends.  Throughout this ordeal I have put my trust in God and my medical team.”

She thanked Dr. Kent Brantly for donations of plasma to help her strengthen her body’s response to the virus.

“I believe in the power of prayer because I know so many people all over the world have been praying for me,” Pham said.  “I do now know how I can thank everyone enough for their prayers and expressions of concern, hope and love.”

Pham said she’s looking forward to going home and hugging her dog Bentley.