Praying for Walking
In the United States, more than 795,000 people suffer from a stroke each year, with nearly a quarter occurring in those under the age of 65. For recent Siskin Hospital patient Mel Vining, she never imagined that she would be included in this number.
On October 14, 2024, Mel was experiencing a normal day, working from home with her role at the Tennessee Valley Authority and enjoying spending time outside with her dog. Before long, she started noticing something did not feel right and called her neighbor over for help. When the neighbor arrived, the left side of Mel’s face had already begun to droop, one of the major signs of a stroke.
Living in Cleveland, Tennessee, Mel was initially taken to Bradley County Medical Center where it was determined she was actively having a stroke. From there, she was transferred to CHI Memorial in Chattanooga where she spent a week before beginning her physical rehabilitation treatment.
Originally hesitant about inpatient treatment, Mel and her wife Ann received encouragement as soon as they arrived at Siskin Hospital.
“The night nurse Elizabeth could tell that Mel was apprehensive about the experience and informed her that she was in the right place because miracles happen at Siskin Hospital, and we have witnessed miracles with Mel’s progress,” said Ann.
When Mel first arrived, her speech, swallowing and cognition had been negatively affected by the stroke. She was also unable to stand or walk without assistance on both sides due to the lack of feeling in her right leg.
Early in her stay, Mel and Ann visited the newly opened Healing Gardens and became inspired by a sculpture named “Praying for Walking” by Louisiana-based artist Russell Whiting. When visiting he became inspired by Siskin Hospital and its mission of returning patients back to their healthiest, most productive life possible.
“I just remember stopping and thinking, please God, me too,” said Mel.
Mel began see significant improvements early on in her treatment, and within two weeks, she was almost back to herself, walking without any assistance.
“The program here is a life-saver, because my goal was to get back to normal life, and they have physically almost got me back to that point,” said Mel.
As a part of Siskin Hospital’s Young Stroke Program, which personalizes treatments that reflect a previously active patient’s personal goals, Becky Coode, OTR/L, focused on therapy activities that would keep Mel engaged, while including her support system. This included cognition puzzles and a friendly competition of indoor racquet ball.
“It is patients like Mel, and seeing the progress they make, that has kept me going in the physical rehabilitation field for as long as I have,” said Coode.
Shortly before discharging, Mel and Ann returned to the Healing Gardens to take a picture of Mel standing beside the sculpture which inspired her recovery journey.
Less than a month after her stroke, Mel was able to walk out of Siskin Hospital’s doors independently and will continue therapy at the Siskin Outpatient Therapy clinic in Cleveland.
“I can’t say enough good things about Siskin Hospital. From the food, to the staff and the Healing Gardens, it’s just been an amazing experience,” said Mel.
L-R: Sydney, PT student, Mel, Ann, and Jess Green, PT, DPT
Becky Coode, OTR/L and Mel