Like any bride-to-be, Alicia Collins was anxiously anticipating her wedding day. On top of the typical wedding responsibilities and jitters, Alicia was worried that her father Delbert Collins would be unable to walk her down the aisle. You see, Delbert was a patient at Libby Care Center and wasn’t sure he would ever walk again after suffering from a severe middle cerebral artery stroke. Yet with Alicia’s wedding day quickly approaching, Delbert set a goal to walk his daughter down the aisle and that is what guided him each day as he began his physical therapy.
After his stroke, Delbert and his family were told there was a chance he would never make a full recovery. Nevertheless, Libby Care Center’s rehabilitation team joined Delbert in his resolve to not only walk again but to do so in time for Alicia’s wedding. His determination, partnered with the staff’s constant guidance and motivation, allowed Delbert to begin working his way towards his dream of walking his daughter down the aisle.
Delbert’s caregivers knew it would be an emotional and strenuous roller coaster to get him on his feet in time for the big day. The Director of Rehab, Joel Chevalier, is renowned for his tenacity and compassion in helping patients and was one of Delbert’s champions throughout his journey. Joel said, “Delbert knew it would be difficult to bounce back from this type of stroke, but he had the will to fight and was focused on walking his daughter down the aisle.” And against all odds, through extensive physical therapy and Joel’s continuous encouragement, Delbert achieved his goal and not only walked again but made Alicia’s wedding the special day she had always dreamed of.
The entire Libby Care Center staff was elated to witness Delbert overcome his circumstance to be there for his daughter on her wedding day. Arm in arm, Delbert walked Alicia down the aisle, both of them beaming proudly.
Alicia stated, “I am excited that he is able to be a part of this moment in my life,” and through tears, she said, “he worked so hard to make this happen for me.”
Moments like this are what fuel our caregivers’ desire to help others. Consulate Health Care employees like Joel Chevalier and Libby’s rehabilitation team exemplify our Core Values by demonstrating their true calling to serve and comfort others. We are honored to be a part of Delbert’s recovery and his family’s memories for such a momentous day.
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