Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals

When TikTok influencer Kate Via and her husband, Joshua, discovered they were expecting their first child, they were over the moon. They never anticipated preparing for the baby would become part of therapy, as Kate recovers from serious brain trauma sustained in a November car accident. Kate says her recovery was possible thanks to faith, family, and some fishing. MORE: https://bit.ly/4ifoNw6

During #BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth, we’re shining the light on the 5.3 million Americans who are either recovering from recent brain trauma or are living with a permanent brain injury-related disability. Each one has a unique story to share, including Graci Garcia. At 25 years old, Graci Garcia holds fast to a motto she picked up as a teenager: “It’s just a bad day. Not a bad life.” Eight years ago in late January, Graci was driving back home near Tekamah, Nebraska, in slick, wintery conditions when she lost control of her car. It rolled several times, landing in a ditch. As a result of the accident, she experienced multiple injuries to her face, pelvis and lungs. Far more significant, however, was the severe brain trauma and a subsequent stroke that left the once-vibrant 17-year-old in the fight for her life. Graci arrived at Madonna on Valentine’s Day in a coma and on a ventilator. Early wins included breathing independently and regaining strength in her neck, core and legs. Her loving and supportive family and friends turned her affectionate nickname of #EliStrong into a rallying cry, raising awareness and prayers for her recovery. Meanwhile, her care team motivated Graci by incorporating her favorite songs, foods and hobbies into therapy sessions. Four months later, her sense of humor was restored, and she left Madonna for home, determined to continue making progress in outpatient therapy. And she did: 18 months after the accident, she phased out of her wheelchair completely. The following spring, she danced with her classmates at her senior program and walked across the stage to receive her high school diploma. That unrelenting spirit, courage and attitude also earned her the title of 2018 Goal Award recipient. Today, Graci continues to stride forward by giving back. She’s a Madonna Peer Support Volunteer and regularly comes to campus to meet with patients and help out with various activities. Recently, we caught up with Graci; she helped current Madonna patient Lynne Ziemba complete a spring craft project. During their time together, she also shared her story, her joy and her smile. To watch her entire story, visit: https://bit.ly/3R81JTU

In honor of International Long COVID Day, we’re sharing the stories of COVID-19 survivors who have utilized Madonna’s post-COVID rehabilitation care services. Greg Schroeter, a welding inspector from Humphrey, Nebraska, faced incredible challenges after surviving COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome. After experiencing paralysis and weeks in intensive care, he chose Madonna for rehabilitation, driven by his positive attitude and determination. With the help of an amazing care team, he walked out two weeks ahead of schedule! Now back at work and enjoying time with his family, Greg aims to be a beacon of hope for others. If you or someone you know is experiencing lingering symptoms of COVID-19, visit Madonna.org/post-COVID for more information.

In recognition of International Long COVID Day, we want to spotlight individuals living with this chronic condition who have sought help at Madonna. Meet Terryn Mersch, an Omaha native who has been battling long COVID for years. After being hospitalized with COVID-19 in 2021, she began experiencing new symptoms, such as dizziness and brain fog. Thanks to the dedicated therapy she received at Madonna’s post-COVID clinic and the support from her care team, Terryn has seen significant improvement and is now back to work part-time. She stated, "There’s no magical fix, but the therapies are extremely helpful." If you or someone you know is experiencing long COVID, visit Madonna.org/post-COVID for more information. #InternationalLongCOVIDAwarenessDay #MadonnaRehab

March 15 is International Long COVID Awareness Day. To support individuals living with post-COVID conditions, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals created a model system of post-COVID rehabilitation care three years ago that spans the entire post-acute care continuum, from inpatient to outpatient to community wellness. For COVID-19 survivor Sherri Magnett, profound physical and mental fatigue made it hard for her to function at home and work. After participating in Madonna’s post-COVID rehabilitation program for six weeks, Sheri regained the stamina and strategies she needed. “They will give you the tools that you need to get well, but the onus is on you as well,” Sherri said. “They can show you all the things in the world, but if you don’t go home and practice the breathing techniques or you don’t follow through on balancing your energy levels, you’re not going to get better. But, if you really want to have back what you had before getting COVID, then this is the place to be and these are the people that are going to help you.” Looking ahead, Sherri said she’s starting to make life plans again. Two years ago, she began to consider ways to scale back her busy life and retire early because she thought work would be off the table with her post-COVID symptoms. Now, she’s back to work full-time, planning vacations with her husband, lifting weights, hiking with her family and even registered for scuba diving lessons. “I’m so hopeful because I’m getting my life back,” Sherri said. If you or someone you know is experiencing long COVID, visit Madonna.org/post-COVID for more information. #InternationalLongCOVIDAwarenessDay #MadonnaRehab

Today is International Long COVID Awareness Day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 1 in 20 adults in the U.S., or about 14 million, are living with long COVID. At Madonna, we have found that interdisciplinary rehabilitation can help those living with lingering symptoms of COVID-19. So we created a comprehensive model system of post-COVID rehabilitation care that combines our clinical expertise, post-COVID research, mental health services and community education. Throughout the day, we’ll be sharing the stories of COVID-19 survivors who have utilized Madonna’s post-COVID rehabilitation care services. Together, we honor those who have struggled and continue to struggle with this disease. If you or someone you know is experiencing long COVID, visit Madonna.org/post-COVID for more information. #InternationalLongCOVIDAwarenessDay #MadonnaRehab

Nichole Urban, RN, CRRN, CBIS, says she’s always wanted to have a career where she could have a positive impact on people’s lives. In the latest Cultivating Caregivers video, she explains how rehabilitation nursing at Madonna has given her that and much more. MORE: https://bit.ly/3FpcnmR

As a tattoo artist, Alex Bonebrake spent years honing his skills and crafting the perfect designs for his clients. But, at 27 years old, Alex’s life changed forever. On March 7, 2017, the young, healthy Missouri native had an ischemic stroke as the result of an undiagnosed heart defect. The stroke impacted his left side, leaving him unable to create tattoos as he once had. He went to the University of Kansas Medical Center, where healthcare providers told him he might not walk again. He came to Madonna, admittedly angry at the world and feeling hopeless. Over a month at Madonna, he became stronger and more independent. He even practiced his art on the walls of his room. He earned a Madonna Spirit Award for his attitude and hard work. Alex says his stroke was a big wake-up call. He’s used it to shape a new career path. “Now, I have a dual bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology, and have started the first functioning tattoo parlor in the country’s department of corrections that offers apprenticeships to help inmates better their life after being released,” he said. “I have a newfound purpose in serving others.” When he’s not at work, Alex says he loves hiking nature trails and exploring new places. What a great example of turning traumas into triumphs. Way to go, Alex!

Today, the United States House Committee on Ways and Means' Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing to examine the post-acute care landscape. This hearing will address the challenges and opportunities to improve access for Medicare beneficiaries. We are pleased to announce that Madonna’s President and CEO, Paul Dongilli, Jr., Ph.D., FACHE, has been selected by the National Association of Long Term Hospitals and the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association to represent the hospital-based post-acute care industry at this hearing. Madonna's strong reputation as a high-quality provider of a full continuum of inpatient post-acute care positions us as an ideal voice to discuss the issues facing the industry. Members of the public can view the hearing via a live webcast, which will be available at https://lnkd.in/eGaQQmeb. The webcast will start when the hearing begins at 2 p.m. ET today.

Amy Goldman, PT, DPT, Madonna's stroke and cancer program manager, is proud to have collaborated with the Nebraska State Stroke Task Force on the "Women and Stroke" Conference last September at UNMC’s iEXCEL Davis Global Center. For this work, Goldman and the team were honored to receive the Rural Outreach Award at the 2024 iEXCEL Innovation Awards on Feb. 18. This recognition highlights the power of collaboration in expanding access to critical stroke education for healthcare professionals across Nebraska. A special thank you to our partners at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Creighton University, and UNMC’s iEXCEL program for making this event a success. Together, we are improving stroke care and recovery for patients statewide! #StrokeAwareness #iEXCELAwards #MadonnaRehabilitation #RuralHealth