Sheltering Arms Foundation Campaign Newsletter

From Pillars of Possibility to

Fulfilling Promises

campaign

UPDATE

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When we signed the joint venture agreement with VCU Health System in 2016 to form Sheltering Arms Institute, a collaboration with VCU Health, we made a bold promise to our community – to reinvent physical rehabilitation so you can live a life beyond limits.

Since opening our doors, the Pillars of Possibility are rapidly becoming promises fulfilled.

At discharge, patients are in the upper quartile of functionality nationally.

Our research team is working to translate research into practice so we can continue to enhance patient care and outcomes.

We are strengthening community partnerships, so you have the resources you need to continue your healing journey throughout your life.

The next generation of physical, occupational, recreation and speech therapists, physical medicine and rehab residents, nurses, and others are advancing patient care.

Our donors, patients and their families, team, and community members have partnered with us to make SAI a reality.

As part of this partnership SAI is becoming a regional destination for physical rehab and leading the charge in urban and regional planning so central Virginia is one of the most inclusive communities.

To learn more about recognition opportunities, please contact the Sheltering Arms Foundation at 804-342-4141.

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QUALITY OF LIFE

TEACHING EXCELLENCE

COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE

INTEGRATED RESEARCH

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE

CURES

PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND SUPPORT SERVICES FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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coming soon final stage

The Bridge Garden

A Place Between Hospital and Home “I cried when I heard that the new outdoor space was named the Bridge Garden,” says Beth Flippo Hutchins whose family has a long history with Sheltering Arms. After her husband Bill suffered a stroke in 2017, Beth recognized the need for a greenspace for patients like him to reconnect with themselves, family, and coworkers. Thanks to a gift from the Flippo Foundation, ‘the place between hospital and home’ will become a reality with this beautiful new outdoor sanctuary. The Bridge Garden, explains Beth, is meant to be a lovely special natural setting for everyone to enjoy.

Cynthia (Cindee) Rolston, PhD, SAI’s Director of Psychology Services, says, “We want to maximize people’s joy and positivity with this outdoor space. We brought in former patients and their families, community engagement groups like United Spinal Association of Virginia and our therapists to help determine how the greenspace would function best and how it would feel in different situations.”

“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

Representing Flippo Foundation Board Members: (Left to Right) Chris Acors, Corine Barber, Flippo Family members – Beth Flippo Hutchins and Bill Hutchins, and representing Flippo Board Members Joseph Jones

– John Muir, Father of National Parks

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Armed with support from the Flippo Foundation, the design process began with team collaboration. Cindee explains, “Ideas were born from our patients and their diverse experiences. We also allowed our therapists to have opinions on the design.” One important structural aspect of these spaces will be a variety of surfaces such as brick, concrete, pebbles, stepping-stones and grass. A patient with limited mobility would have an opportunity to navigate the various pavements which can’t be done indoors. These angles and textures mirror outdoor spaces in the community.

Years of planning have culminated in the final design. The garden rooms will all be interconnected and yet provide optimal usage.

There will be smaller more intimate spaces to enjoy nature along with larger outdoor rooms where a rousing game of cornhole could take place. According to Cindee “We have even created a space that would allow a patient in a hospital bed to get outside and drink in nature.”

Her husband Bill’s stroke came as a complete surprise. “Sheltering Arms was there to catch me again. Through his seven-week stay, I made friends with the people there and we still stay in touch.” Our neighbors, Julie Rautio and Robert Baratta, were absolutely incredible; they helped with our two boys and came to the hospital every single evening to check on us. To pay tribute to this special experience, there are two benches located outside at SAI appropriately named ‘Bill’s Bench’ and the ‘Neighbors Bench.’ Beth also recalls rolling Bill’s wheelchair through the parking lots, thinking there had to be a better way to get patients’ fresh air.

The Sheltering Arms experience has been an integral part of Beth’s life. She was a sponsor for the Bal du Bois in 1990. Fast forward a few years, Beth and Bill purchased a home on 2300 Grace Street which was once owned by Sheltering Arms. When her great-uncle Arthur Flippo suffered a stroke, he received excellent care at Sheltering Arms. “Sheltering Arms gave us the ability to get to know Uncle Arthur in a new way.” Her brother, who once suffered liver and kidney failure, recovered thanks to the physical rehabilitation he received at the hospital. “For me, Sheltering Arms was magical.”

Sylvia Acors, who wears many hats as Director, Secretary and Treasurer of the Flippo Foundation, vividly recalls Beth’s experiences of wheeling Bill around in a parking lot when he was recovering from a stroke. For over 30 years, Sylvia worked for Flippo Lumber along

with Franklin Jones and Norman Long. This trusted group became Foundation directors at the request of Arthur Flippo. She says, “To me, it’s a very special place to work. We have all very much tried to follow Arthur’s wishes. Just seeing Beth go through this struggle pushed all of us to want to do something for Sheltering Arms Institute.”

Beth is ever grateful to Sheltering Arms and the genesis of the garden. “I love the smaller conversation spaces which was something that meant so much to Bill. I remember watching how visitors would spark a memory in him. The garden also helps patients in relating to normal situations.” In short, the design is the culmination of an extraordinary team effort to maximize and create a one-of-a-kind greenspace that encourages everything from quiet personal introspection in nature to family gatherings and fun activities.

Beth concludes, “We’ve been so blessed by the care we received at Sheltering Arms. So many people gave Bill the opportunity to be Bill again. That was a gift we can never repay. The power of others who gave their time and talent gave Bill the Power to Overcome.”

The Bridge Garden is slated to be completed

by Fall 2021!

To learn more about recognition opportunities in the Bridge Garden, please contact, 804.342.4141.

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clinical excellence patient profiles

High Tech Encouragement Rob Johnson’s pathway to independence “I feel like I could talk for days about Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI) and how everyone motivated me to get better.”

Miracles happen every day at Sheltering Arms Institute. Robert “Rob” Johnson suffered an anoxic brain injury that left him hospitalized for months. Anoxic brain injuries are caused by a complete lack of oxygen to the brain. By the time he arrived at SAI in November 2020, his muscles had atrophied and he was unable to walk or sit up in bed. Rob could not do anything for himself. The nursing staff began a strict program of turning to help his wounds heal, so he could tolerate being upright.

One of the key issues Rob faced in his recovery was muscle stiffness. He really hadn’t moved in months and his legs felt painfully tight.

Rob recalls that he was unable to walk, pick up his left arm or close his hands into a fist.

He says, “My first time in physical therapy, it took five tries to just stand up and then, I was exhausted.” As a former wrestler and football player, it was astonishing to him how weak he felt. He is so grateful to his occupational therapist, Kaitlin Sullivan, who made him custom splints for his calves to help get him stretched out. Rob is convinced that this stretching helped clear the way for him to work on the machines in the therapy gym to regain his strength.

Kaitlin says, “Independence is often something we take for granted, but when that is lost, it can make daily life exceedingly difficult. We help to rehabilitate and teach people with injuries

how to take back their lives. Through the use of learned techniques, exercises, and procedures like serial casting, we are able to give people, like Rob a pathway to independence. Rob is incredibly hard working and great to work with.

Serial casting, along with many other modalities to help lengthen and strengthen muscles,

patients with lower limb disabilities. As a result of these victories, his hope grew and so did a strong desire to regain his mobility.

Motivation also came from Zachary Crump, the Locomotor specialist, an integral part of his healing. Zach says, “Rob was a very hard

“The amount of faith SAI had in me was awesome. They showed me that I could get up and do things again.”

Robert “Rob” Johnson, advanced technology helped him find his power to overcome.

allowed for him to regain his ankle range of motion needed to stand, transfer, and walk.”

“I’ll never forget the words ‘up tall,’ says Rob as he recalls his physical therapy sessions.

Progress was steady as he grew stronger and reclaimed his independence. Rob began doing push-ups thanks to the encouragement of his team.“ I had no idea I could even do any of them. We just kept working on it a little bit at a time. Thanks to SAI’s high tech equipment, Rob began to essentially walk around on machines, such as the exoskeleton, a robotic device providing gait training and mobility for

SERIAL CASTING Serial casting is a procedure to help improve range of movement. Typically a fiberglass cast with padding is applied to hold a part of the body in position allowing the patient to stretch a tight muscle.

worker. Initially we started using a treadmill with body weight support to allow him to get a lot of walking repetition. Then, he started to regain muscle strength and we transitioned him to overground walking with body weight support to allow him to use his legs more. I do remember he left most sessions covered in sweat and he was always willing to go out of his ‘comfort zone’ to achieve his walking goals.”

Hard work helped Rob rebuild his strength. Rob concludes, “The amount of faith SAI had in me was awesome. They showed me that I could get up and do things again!”

METERS PER SECOND (MPS)

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Initial walk at admission: 150 feet Final walk at discharge: nearly 400 feet Exceeding a change beyond 200 feet is an excellent outcome for inpatient physical rehabilitation.

With a change of .81 m/s a patient can more easily navigate within the community vs. at home.

SAI patient using the Bioness Vector Body Weight support system.

SAI patient walking using the Motek C-Mill, a treadmill simulating real-life challenges using virtual reality.

The Motek Rysen, SAI is the first hospital in the Western Hemisphere to use this technology to improve patient outcomes.

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clinical excellence patient profiles

A Remarkable Recovery Angela Oliver’s many milestones The holidays didn’t exactly go as Angela Oliver planned this past year. A stroke on December 23 landed her in Memorial Regional Medical Center alone and afraid. During this time, the COVID pandemic was raging so she was separated from her family. Her stroke compromised her mobility on her left side, she explains, robbing her of her independence. On

of ways. I was determined to come back to normalcy. I kept telling myself that I’ve got to get out of here!”

Angela recalls regaining movement in her arm and hand fairly quickly which was a game changer. Once she started therapy on a daily basis, her mind and body began to

“Never Give up – Really! You can come out of it.”

Angela Oliver, stroke survivor who found her power to overcome

New Year’s Day, Angela arrived at Sheltering Arms Institute with an iron will to take her life back. “I was determined not to be in that wheel-chair. I was completely focused on getting out of it to walk again.”

The outset of her recovery was challenging as she recalls her initial speech therapy sessions.

Simple daily activities were hard. For example, Angela, a professional accountant for a nonprofit organization, remembers not being able to do simple math problems in therapy. It was frightening. “The stroke affected me in a lot

grow stronger and heal. She moved from a wheelchair to a walker which increased her mobility. Her next personal goal was to use the restroom by herself. “I needed to feel like an adult.” Each successful milestone made her work even harder.

Her physical therapists: JP Blosser and Zachary C. Crump played an integral part in her recovery. She fondly refers to Zach as the ‘locomotive guy.’ Zach says, “Angela was a joy to work with. The best part about her story was how aware she was of her goals and she

SAI patients realize a greater degree of functional improvement in all areas compared to regional averages.

was determined to do whatever was needed to achieve them. She was not afraid to sweat because she always had her long-term goals in front of her.”

Her biggest motivator by far was her strong desire to recover and be there for her tenyear old son, Kenneth whom she calls Trae. “I needed to take care of myself so that I could take care of him.” To this end, JP helped her work out on the bicycle and treadmill in order to strengthen the muscles in her legs.

Angela is so grateful to him for coming in on weekends to make sure she was still working on physical fitness.

JP says, “Angie definitely did everything she could to make the most of her time at SAI! She had clear goals and took every opportunity we gave her to reach them. It was great getting to work with her and I am excited to see her getting back to doing the things that she loves to do!”

Thanks to her remarkable recovery at Sheltering Arms, Angela returned to parttime work as a grant accountant on March 19.

She enjoys her job helping secure homes for the homeless. Each day, she grows stronger and feels more comfortable living on her own again. She was determined to go upstairs in her home and it should come as no surprise that she successfully climbed those stairs by herself to sleep in her own bed on the second floor.

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A Second Chance

Richard Green finds new strength “Everything’s great there,” says Richard Green, a double amputee, whose time at Sheltering Arms put him on the right road to recovery.

In November 2020, Richard arrived at SAI uncertain of his future and unable to care for himself. Although weak from his injuries, a team of professionals helped him get his strength back and return home. “I appreciate everything they did for me. I miss everyone!”

Physical therapist Lindsey Borgsmiller and occupational therapist, Liat Damari, were a powerful force in motivating him to move forward. They helped him work hard to learn how to take a shower by himself and relearn daily tasks like brushing teeth. The therapy sessions were hard. He admits sometimes in the beginning, he lacked motivation. One day, he missed a therapy session and they came to find him at seven o’clock on a Monday morning. He says, “I don’t care how badly I didn’t want to go, I went anyway because they encouraged me to get moving. After the session, I was really glad I did.”

The CORE Gym became his favorite place and he worked hard to regain his strength.

In the tree business, he was always in shape until the incident that left him bed ridden for months. He recalls coming into SAI too weak to barely stand up or care for himself. By the time he left in February, he was able to bench press 80 pounds with his one arm! He says, “I could do 8 one arm pull ups.” Liat says, “It was inspiring to see Richard’s progress. During his first several weeks, he encountered several obstacles that could have slowed his recovery.

However, by using a trans-disciplinary approach and encouraging him to participate in as much therapy as possible, the team was able to support and guide Richard towards success.

In occupational therapy, we started with a general focus on improving independence and safety in activities of daily living. We later

targeted other areas such as upper extremity prosthetic training and more advanced tasks to challenge his balance and overall strength.

Richard’s recovery story is incredible – one I will always remember!”

While at SAI, Richard was fitted for a prosthetic arm and leg and spent time learning how to use them efficiently. “It made me feel like I could walk again.” Recently, he mowed the lawn. He grows stronger daily, learning how to negotiate life in a new way. Richard’s three children (Richard, Rebecca and Kaitlyn) are helping him with his tree business and he plans to tag along on some of the new projects.

New York

Pittsburgh Washington, D.C.

Richmond Norfolk

Charlotte

Atlanta

PATIENTS TREATED AT SAI SINCE OPENING # OF PATIENTS: 2,000+ # OF STATES: 13 # OF VA ZIP CODES: 321 (64% of zip codes in VA)

Jacksonville

Tampa

Richard believes the team of doctors, nurses, and physical and occupational therapists at SAI saved him. He jokes, “I actually filled out the survey to thank Lindsey and Liat and that’s something I would never usually do!”

Miami

“Richard’s recovery story is incredible – one that I will always remember!”

Liat Damari, Occupational Therapist at SAI

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integrated research

Integrated Research to Boost Patient Outcomes “We are building a robust collaboration of research and practice,” says Dr. Amber Walter, Clinical Science Manager at Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI). “This makes our community a place for hope and better health.” SAI partnered with the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Center for Research Science & Engineering (CERSE) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to use their extensive research to generate better data that leads to higher quality results.

Thanks to this joint venture, SAI was able to bring on Amol Karmarkar, PhD, Director of Research to evaluate and implement changes to improve access, quality of care and patient outcomes. The partnership’s primary goal is to establish SAI as a top 50 Learning Health System by 2025.

The collaboration between SAI and CERSE is important because in many healthcare institutions, there are separate health and research systems that don’t necessarily work together. In some hospitals, a researcher may have never met someone with a spinal cord injury. An integrated approach brings the two systems together to strengthen both of them.

Consider SAI’s research space was placed adjacent to the therapy gym. This important architectural design decision ultimately encourages patients to potentially participate in research studies that will provide better data.

Amol says, “When I look into the therapy gym, it is a constant reminder and a big motivator for me to strive harder to conduct robust research that can generate evidence for supporting or changing the delivery of rehabilitation services we provide.”

With twenty-years of experience in post-acute and inpatient rehabilitation and research, Amol, a rehabilitation scientist, is excited to analyze real-world data to achieve the highest quality results. “One thing I’d like

to highlight is that we are working toward standard documentation in the ways we are reporting patient outcomes. This would mean standardization across all disciplines.” Both Amber and Amol continuously measure what works and why. Amol adds, “Amber is involved closely with all of the clinicians. For me, I am really looking at things from a macro level and applying them to a micro level. It’s a unique partnership where research is integrated directly into routine clinical care we provide at SAI.” The CERSE research engine has the power to help accelerate results. SAI will use flagship CERSE research to achieve better outcomes in such areas as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries as well as amputation and prosthetics.

Amber is thrilled with the results of the team’s work in outcome measurement. Experience taught her the majority of patients are motivated by specific scores on their progress rather than a generic result like ‘they got better.’ She points to her team’s culture of measurement that is part of integrated research. “The clinical science team has worked to track our ability to get those measurements and implement strategies that would improve adherence. This is not only important to give our patient’s information about their progress, but now with Amol, it helps in preparation to use the data for studies. For example, the research team has developed a PRO score graphing system as a patient centered approach to analyze all aspects of a individual’s progress.” The SAI-PRO Score measures a patient’s progress toward their goals. It is integrated into the patient’s record and will eventually be used to examine physical rehabilitation quality metrics.

Thanks to the value SAI places on integrated

research, this team is excited to achieve its goal of becoming a Learning Health System by 2025! Amol says, “The most important piece of this vision is the feedback loop.

We figure out what we learn from clinical care, analyze the data and add the whole collaboration of all the team players in the process.” This ongoing process is the key to success. Amber concludes, “We are using stronger research evidence to ask better questions that will allow us to continually improve each patient’s treatment.”

Learning Health System A Learning Health System can be characterized by strong leadership, effective use of clinical data in a healthcare setting and a committed workforce that has a culture of continuous improvement. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)

The SAI research team has several important objectives:

1 Engage clinicians in sponsored science (externally funded research).

2 Engage SAI patients in sponsored science.

3 Build SAI’s reputation as a

collaborator and recruitment source for research participants.

4 Obtain the necessary funding.

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teaching excellence

Meet Emilie Pinto:

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Resident “It feels like a family and we’re all on this team together!” says Emilie Pinto, a second year Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) resident at Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI). This rigorous program, in conjunction with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), offers extensive education in both inpatient and outpatient training, clinical exposure, and work alongside neuropsychologists, orthopaedic surgeons, therapists and numerous other talented health professionals. After her first-year training in internal medicine at VCU, Emilie was one of the first residents at SAI when she started in July 2020.

Emilie hit the ground running delighted to be in such a positive environment to learn and grow in her field. “As residents, we work in conjunction with an attending physician and receive hands on training with some of the best physicians, educators, and mentors. It

is an honor to train here as the caliber of our physicians is unparalleled. I feel like my training will prepare me to go into any aspect in the PM&R field confidently.”

On one of her initial rounds in stroke service, Emilie worked with an older woman who was completely discouraged with her mobility. One of the important aspects of PM&R training is the focus on true muscle strength testing. The woman was unable to flex her elbow, making normal movement really difficult. “I was testing her bicep strength and removed gravity by holding her arm up, allowing her to flex her elbow. When she touched her chest, the look on her face was priceless!” Emilie said they were both moved by the moment. “I’ll never forget seeing the pure joy on her face when she regained some function back in her arm.”

An unforgettable experience with a patient with a spinal cord injury will always resonate with her. “I had a patient that had a C5 ASIA Impairment Scale A spinal cord injury after a major dissection of his neck due to a deep tissue infection. I had a one-on-one educational talk with him concerning the spinal cord injury where we discussed the medical details and prognosis. The patient became very tearful when we discussed his chance of regaining functional ability to walk again was

less than 5 percent. I stopped and held his hand in this emotional moment. I will never forget what he said to me. He said ‘Doc, thank you for being real with me. No one has told me the truth about this injury until now.’ After this acceptance, the healing journey began.

I witnessed this patient go from his lowest point to driving his power wheelchair out of the hospital with a new aura of strength, poise, and confidence that came from the support of our incredible team at SAI.” The state-of-the-art facility at SAI is a highlight for Emilie and so is the collaboration. She thinks this environment promotes positive interaction among doctors, therapists, staff and patients. “I am incredibly grateful to work with our stellar therapists. They have taught me to think outside of the box, to always consider functional logistics, and to always keep moving forward. They are some of the most positive and encouraging people I know.”

Emilie’s work at SAI continues and she loves being a resident in such a vibrant place.

“It’s a unique experience. More importantly, everyone gets along so well together that I think the patients can sense our team spirit.”

ASIA Scale The impairment is complete.

The impairment is incomplete.

Grade A:

Grade B:

Grade C:

Grade D:

Grade E:

Sensory function, but not motor function, is preserved below the neurologic level (the first normal level above the level of injury) and some sensation is preserved in the sacral segments S4 and S5.

Motor function is preserved below the neurologic level, but more than half of the key muscles below the neurologic level have a muscle grade less than 3 (i.e., they are not strong enough to move against gravity).

Motor function is preserved below the neurologic level, and at least half of the key muscles below the neurologic level have a muscle grade of 3 or more (i.e., the joints can be moved against gravity).

The patient’s functions are normal.

All motor and sensory functions are unhindered.

There is no motor or sensory function left below the level of injury.

The American Spinal Injury Association

AIS – ASIA American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale is a standardized neurological examination used by the rehabilitation team to assess the sensory and motor levels which were affected by the spinal cord injury.

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community

A Club Rec member learning a new form of expression through art.

Staying Connected through Community Engagement “I want to enhance the quality of life for all SAI patients which involves making sure no one falls through the cracks after they leave.”

Alison Clarke, Community Engagement Manager

and families improve their quality of life. “For long term recovery, these support agencies are critical.”

Thanks to over 20 years of experience in community outreach at Sheltering Arms, Alison, a former recreation therapist, is extremely familiar with the highs and

lows of the recovery journey. Community

engagement can be life changing for not only the patient but also for the entire

family. Alison realized many patients and families often felt overwhelmed with the

healing process. “When I reached out to

our community partners to follow up on a

particular patient, I was the first call, in many

cases, five years after the injury.” To this end, “We want our relationships with patients to be long-term at Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI).

My passion has always been to figure out how to enhance a patient’s quality of life after

they leave by providing access to community groups,” says Alison Clarke, Community Engagement Manager. These connections provide important resources to help patients

she devised a fresh approach that has been highly successful to date and continues to

expand. “I realized there was a need for these connections sooner, and they needed to be more personal.”

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SAI operates in conjunction with the

statewide, No Wrong Door program and has access to its full database of resources. The

hospital has partnerships with such agencies as Brain Injury Association of Virginia, Community Brain Injury Services, United Spinal of VA and Sportable to name a few. These connections make a difference.

With a vision for a new strategy, Alison observed the hospital’s Get Well Network and determined patients could be introduced to these community agencies through videos during their hospital stay. These videos have proven to be a much needed ‘ice breaker’ for patients to feel more comfortable reaching out.

Following the videos patients meet with agency representatives virtually or in person.

Recently, Alison worked with Crystal Smith, Lead Case Manager for Community Brain Injury Services, to help Joe, a patient with a brain injury, who needed more care after being discharged. “I helped him apply for social security disability benefits,” explains Crystal.

“Given his family situation, he was unable to go home. I found assisted living facilities where Joe could get back on his feet.” Crystal credits Alison with making her feel comfortable at SAI and facilitating this whole process. This successful partnership created a wonderful transition for Joe upon leaving SAI. Plans are already in place for additional follow up.

Alison explains she got a call from a patient’s mother, indicating that her daughter would benefit from connecting with someone younger. She immediately coordinated a new peer mentor with United Spinal which resulted in a successful relationship. It’s about meeting the patient’s needs at the right time in their recovery.

Whether virtual or face-to face, the message is clear: Peer mentors and support groups are available to help with transitions in everyday life. Alison says, “We are planting the seed and letting them know that they are not alone.”

Alison is excited about SAI’s Community Transition events which will be offered quarterly. These events provide encouragement, diagnosis specific clinical education, and opportunities to work with community partners. “I want to enhance the quality of life for all SAI patients which involves making sure no one falls through the cracks after they leave.”

Club Rec members enjoying an afternoon of adaptive fishing.

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community patient profiles

Unleashing the

CW Saunders proves ob

CW Saunders riding a trike for the 1st time following his illness.

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“I want to be somebody’s light. I felt my purpose in life during my darkest time,”says CW Saunders, a recovering stroke patient, who defied every obstacle to regain control of his life.

In February 2021, CW had an interior spinal cord stroke which impaired his ability to walk and care for himself. When CW came to Sheltering Arms Institute (SAI), he was unsure of how the injury would affect his daily life. The encouragement and support he received during every part of his journey, even as an outpatient, helped him heal in mind and body. CW inspires those around him with his determination to walk again.

CW explains how the nursing staff cared for him during a particularly challenging moment in his recovery. One night, he felt stomach pains and became frightened he was having another stroke. Leeann Campbell, the nurse on duty calmed him down, explaining that the nerves in his body were waking up. Her professionalism and caring attitude made a strong impression on CW who woke up early to find her and thank her. “The nurses at Sheltering Arms gave me my power back.”

“What being a nurse means to me,” says Leeann Campbell, “especially when it comes

when it was necessary. I truly appreciate CW remembering me and I was happy to make his stay at SAI a great experience.”

CW embraced the recovery journey with a great attitude. “When I got there, I couldn’t do anything. The physical and occupational therapists encouraged me to get better, telling me that I can dress myself, I can regain my independence and become a functioning person in society.” He was focused on getting every single thing out of his hospital stay. His sense of humor was contagious. CW claims he learned to do everything from washing clothes to cooking dinner. He jokes, “I got kicked out of SAI because I did too much!”

Community engagement has become an important part of his healing as an outpatient; he has embraced opportunities with such organizations as Sportable. He recently learned to play wheelchair basketball. At a game in Chesterfield, CW arrived to find approximately 30 people in wheelchairs who were having fun.

“Wow! There were people young and old, black and white, male and female- it was amazing! It was like a brotherhood of new friends.” There was a special chair made for basketball and

few weeks, from virtually meeting during his

time at SAI, to when he popped by our office

to meet the Sportable team, and finally having him participating in our wheelchair basketball and cycling programs. It’s awesome to get to meet folks like CW and see them thriving. I

knew from our initial conversation that he had the right mentality, work ethic, and support

system to do great in any situation and I’m very grateful to see that come to fruition through progress in therapy, independence, and of

course getting back on the basketball court and bike trail.”

Family support has been an integral part of

his success. His wife Yolanda, daughter, Kiara,

and cousin, Sean, have been extremely helpful.

He even allowed his seven-year-old grandson, John, to push him around in his wheelchair

to show him that he hadn’t changed one bit.

Currently, he makes his own breakfast and

lunch, rolls to Wegmans to get groceries on

his own and even takes himself to the doctor.

“All I want to do is be treated normally and

educate people on the help I need. I believe

every day that I am getting better. I welcome the challenges and stay positive!”

power of positivity

stacles are no match for the right attitude “Anything is possible as long as you have a good mindset.”

CW Saunders, community resources strengthen his power to overcome.

to spinal cord injury patients is giving them the strength to realize their life isn’t over. As a rehab nurse, my job is to provide patients with the education and skills to make getting around their injury easier. That night CW was afraid, he asked me not to leave him. I stayed with him while I performed an assessment, completed vital signs and contacted the doctor. I also advocated for him to have pain medication

he plans to work on his technique. His cycling experience proved to be just as amazing! He biked ten miles outside for the first time and he was elated. He says, “It’s only been three months since my stroke and I did this!”

Josh Sloan, the Community Outreach Coordinator for Sportable, says, “It’s been a pleasure getting to know CW over the past

CW Saunders has learned to live life in the present moment and embrace positivity. “I want to thank every doctor, nurse, therapist and dietician at SAI. Every day, they made me want to do better.” This amazing man is spreading light everywhere he goes, inspiring others to be the best possible version of themselves.

“Anything is possible as long as you have a good mindset.”

140 Eastshore Drive, Suite 200 Glen Allen, VA 23059 shelteringarms.com/foundation

Special thanks to our writer: Kathleen Reid Photo (front cover): The 9,000 square foot, Center of Rehab Excellence (CORE) Gym Photo (below): Patient in gym on Dallas Disbro Ability Center, spinal cord injury and complex care.

Graphic Design: Polychrome Collective