Fall 2017 | Madonna.org

the INDEPENDENT the RESEARCH: the TECHNOLOGY: the RECOVERY: Safe Laser offers independence Stroke survivor regains Grade-schooler returns to for severely injured | 8 vision deficits | 10 classroom after brain injury | 16

® the RECOVERY: Now you can. Determination and humor spark welder’s recovery | 6 DEAR FRIENDS: MISSION STATEMENT Madonna’s Benedictine heritage emphasizes

Madonna Rehabilitation hospitality, one of our core values. To us, Hospitals is a Catholic hospitality means more than just a welcoming hospital system that provides physical medicine atmosphere. It’s an openness to the call of those and rehabilitation services in need. Hope and healing thrive in this kind to children and adults throughout the nation. of environment. We rehabilitate those who Paul Dongilli Jr., president and CEO As you read the stories in this issue have sustained injuries or disabling conditions of the Independent, you will clearly realize the many needs of our patients. so they can fully participate Their rehabilitation journeys serve as an inspiration to everyone. in life. We lead research to improve outcomes I’m constantly amazed at the resilience of the human spirit—the determination of and prevent physical individuals recovering from serious illness or injuries is truly inspirational. disabilities and promote wellness through These individuals, like most Madonna patients, struggle to recover not only community programs. physically, but emotionally and mentally. Their gains are often slow and frequently CORE VALUES their recovery includes medical setbacks. Overcoming these hurdles requires the Our core values reflect collaboration of a medical team that includes physicians. Madonna’s history, mission and beliefs. In the last year, our physician team, built on a strong foundation of physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists called physiatrists has grown. The addition COLLABORATION of hospitalists or internists, and pulmonologists, has better prepared us for handling HOSPITALITY both the complex medical and the rehabilitation needs of patients.

RESPECT I am pleased to welcome the new physicians who have joined our rehabilitation team. They, along with our physiatrists, are profiled on pages 4-5. This expanding INNOVATION physician group assures our patients receive the best medical care possible. STEWARDSHIP This issue of the Independent also showcases Madonna’s clinical expertise in all TEACHING service areas, rehabilitation-focused research, and specialized technology. These unique features attract patients from not only Nebraska and the Midwest region, but from across the country. Our transition from a local provider of rehabilitation services to a national rehabilitation center of excellence has resulted in the need for the Madonna Omaha

Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals Campus. We are proud to report that in December 2016, Modern Healthcare complies with applicable federal civil magazine identified Madonna as the 12th largest rehabilitation provider in the rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national country. We are growing! I want to thank all Madonna staff members, our donors origin, age, disability or sex. Madonna and promoters for supporting our growth. Working together, we can maintain our Rehabilitation Hospitals does not exclude people or treat them openness to the call of those in need. differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

Paul Dongilli Jr., Ph.D., president and CEO 2 | Now you can.® the LATEST

CONTENTS: 4 the EXPERTISE: Expertise: a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular field 2 A letter from the CEO

4 Expertise: a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular field

6 Determination and humor spark welder’s recovery

8 Safe Laser offers independence 6 the RECOVERY: for severely injured Determination and humor spark welder’s recovery

10 Stroke survivor regains vision deficits

12 Madonna matters to me

13 Planned gift fulfills donor wishes

14 2016-2017 HOPE Appeal Partners By the Numbers the TECHNOLOGY: 10 Stroke survivor regains vision deficits 15 Corporate Donor Profile: Union Bank & Trust — A generous community partner for 100 years

17 Grade-schooler returns to classroom following traumatic brain injury

19 Burn survivor rises like a phoenix the CARE: as beacon of hope 23 Faith, family and friends support recovery journey

22 Omaha man’s love of travel resumes after spinal cord injury

23 Faith, family and friends support recovery journey

The INDEPENDENT is a quarterly magazine published for friends of Madonna. Direct questions or comments to: 402.413.4291 or [email protected].

Editorial staff:

Tami Rudder Lora Vohl Marjorie Sturgeon Elinor Mapes Sue Carraher Brian Pickering Marketing, Media Marketing, Media Marketing, Media Brand Strategist Development Marketing & PR Specialist & PR Specialist & PR Specialist Coordinator Director

Now you can.® | 3 Expertise [ek-sper-teez] noun: a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular field At Madonna, we value the involvement, creativity and contributions of all who participate in the fulfillment of our mission. We are extremely grateful for these health care physician partnerships that are built upon trust, integrity and the sharing of knowledge and expertise.

Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals Thomas S. Stalder, M.D. VP of medical affairs & chief medical officer

Lincoln Campus Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals-Lincoln Physiatrists Adam T. Kafka, M.D., medical director, rehabilitation programs Paul L. Krabbenhoft, M.D.—spinal cord program medical director Morgan T. LaHolt, M.D.—brain injury program medical director

Adam Kafka, M.D.

Nebraska Pulmonary Specialties, LLC Jeffrey E. Jarrett, M.D., medical director, pulmonary program Supported by an extensive team of clinical professionals from Nebraska Pulmonary Specialists

Jeffrey E. Jarrett, M.D.

Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals-Lincoln Hospitalists Matthew L. Driewer M.D., internal medicine hospitalist Mohsen G. Abou Seif, M.D.—family medicine Jackie Tran, M.D.—physical medicine and rehabilitation Joan Harvey, M.S.N., B.S.N.—nurse practitioner

Matthew L. Driewer M.D.

Complete Children’s Health Amy J. Pinkall, M.D., medical director, pediatric program Kara Biven, M.D. Kavina Elias, M.S.N., B.S.N.—nurse practitioner

Amy J. Pinkall, M.D.

4| Now you can.® the EXPERTISE

Omaha Campus

University of Nebraska Medical Center Physiatrists Samuel M. Bierner, M.D., medical director, physical medicine and rehabilitation Christopher W. Anderson, D.O. Aishwarya A. Patil, M.D. Michael D. Weaver, D.O. Samuel M. Bierner, M.D.

Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals-Omaha Hospitalists Susan C. Ohnoutka, M.D., medical director, internal medicine Jessica A. Fernandes, M.D., internal medicine Supported by an extensive team of clinical professionals

Susan C. Ohnoutka, M.D.

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Specialty Physicians Joseph T. Snow, M.D., clinical service chief, hospitalist service Supported by an extensive team of clinical professionals from Children’s Specialty Physicians

Joseph T. Snow, M.D.

UNMC Pulmonary Physicians Austin Thompson, III, M.D., medical director, pulmonary program Supported by an extensive team of clinical professionals from UNMC

Austin Thompson, III, M.D.

Now you can.® | 5 Seven months after his traumatic brain injury, Jacob Rickel refines a weld on a job site in Missouri. Throughout his recovery, Jacob’s primary goal was returning to his rewarding occupation as a pipefitter.

Photo credit: Stacey Smith Photography

See more of Jacob’s recovery at: madonna.org/JacobRickel

6 | Now you can.® the RECOVERY

Determination and humor spark welder’s recovery

As Jacob Rickel lay comatose in the intensive care unit, the code word to enter his room was “Smiley.” His mother, Sherrie Rickel, created the secret password as countless visitors, including his union brothers from Pipefitters Local 533, filled her son’s hospital room. The nickname fits the fun-loving personality of 22-year-old Jacob. But last winter, life abruptly took a serious turn for the young tradesman. On Dec. 17, 2016, Jacob was returning from a Christmas party with his girlfriend, Kristina, when he lost control of his pickup on an icy road near his hometown of Liberty, Missouri. During the violent rollover crash, Jacob was Jacob Rickel lines up his shot during a group bowling ejected from the vehicle. His body suffered multiple fractures outing to Parkway Lanes with Kristin Luethke, and worst of all, a traumatic brain injury. recreational therapist. Bowling challenged Jacob’s balance, cognition and social skills during his brain “Cautiously optimistic” are the words doctors repeated injury recovery. The young welder developed game to Sherrie. Playing the waiting game with Jacob’s future strategies and kept score while sharing his humor. “was the hardest experience of my life,” said his mom. Jacob’s extensive supporters believed if anyone could beat the odds, it was Smiley. Within two weeks, Jacob opened his Complex medical blue eyes and proved them right. On Jan. 5, one day after arriving at Madonna Rehabilitation Specialty Hospital-Lincoln Campus, Jacob walked 50 feet Madonna Rehabilitation Specialty Hospital, with flanked by his therapists. Days later, with his tracheostomy locations in Lincoln and Omaha, focuses on physical removed and more alert, Jacob’s recovery skyrocketed. rehabilitation while providing comprehensive care Playing a computerized soccer game on the Armeo®Spring, to patients with complex medical conditions. an upper extremity exoskeleton, restored Jacob’s mental From ventilator care to wound management, these and physical toughness. He logged miles around the specialty programs and services are designed to hallway pushing a walker, sharing positivity and wit along the ensure every need is met with expertise and route. “You gotta risk it to get the biscuit,” became Jacob’s managed with compassion. signature phrase while aggressively conquering his goals. “Jacob approached therapy with an intensity and Rehabilitation for medically complex patients includes vigor for life making everyone strive to keep up,” said specialized services that promote regaining the Amanda Cool, occupational therapist. highest level of independence. These services Jacob quickly moved to acute rehabilitation, where his includes pulmonary, wound, burn, amputation, vision, self-motivation continued to impress his team. Walking work and community re-entry. independently across a room to surprise Kristina with flowers was a significant milestone for Jacob. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my nurses and therapists,” said Jacob. Seven months post-accident, Jacob is grateful to be driving, working his dream job and embracing life fully— all with that trademark smile. Now you can.® | 7 Safe Laser fosters independence for severely injured patients

Imagine being locked in your body and using only small technology uses a Bluetooth keyboard that is activated movements to communicate, such as eye blinks, muscle using Invotek’s Safe Laser. Programmable keys have multiple twitches or slight head movements. This is the harsh reality for capabilities, including sending standard keyboard commands many people who have sustained the most severe traumatic via USB or Bluetooth, providing digitized speech output or brain injury, stroke or other debilitating injury. sending TV remote control functions. The Communication Center of Excellence at Madonna’s Wearing the laser pointer attached to a headset, Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering focuses the user initiates head movements to select letters on a on developing technologies and strategies to assist the most communication board. Even people with minimal movement severely injured patients with communication. Susan Fager, capabilities are successful. Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is the director of the Communication Center Early in his recovery, Madonna patient Clay Patterson of Excellence. gravitated to the Safe Laser. It allowed him to communicate Dr. Fager’s team identified the need for technology that his needs with the nursing staff, actively participate in could harness the small head movements of individuals with therapy, have input into his care plan and let his unique severe physical impairments and allow them to use these personality shine. movements to communicate. Collaborating with engineers at Clay used the Safe Laser to communicate during a InvoTek, a company that also empowers independence through therapy outing to his favorite restaurant. Coupled with a accessible technology, researchers in the Communication tablet, the device enabled Clay to use his head movements Center of Excellence secured a series of grants through the to point to letters on an alphabet display. When his message National Institutes of Health to develop and evaluate the was complete, he made the device speak out loud using Safe Laser pointing system. synthesized speech. “I want the vanilla ice cream with extra This system was designed to be eye-safe so that it can chocolate syrup,” wrote Clay, as the tablet’s voice output be used in any setting without the risk of eye damage that relayed his order to the server. is associated with standard laser pointers. The innovative

Madonna patient Clay Patterson demonstrates the simplicity of the Safe Laser system for Dr. Susan Fager, director of the Communication Center for Excellence. The sophisticated technology allows patients with the most severe physical impairments and limited movement to communicate. 86 | Now you can.® the RESEARCH

“Our work across the centers in the Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering is driven by the needs Communication Center of our patients. In the Communication Center of Excellence, we strive to develop and evaluate technologies for our of Excellence most severely impaired patients to support participation in The Communication Center of Excellence, which meaningful life activities. Clay’s use of the Safe Laser system includes the Harris Family Assistive Technology really exemplifies the patient-centered work underway in the Lab and the Richard and Eloise Agee Speech Research Institute at Madonna,” said Dr. Fager. Physiology Lab, is dedicated to developing and improving technologies and treatment strategies to reduce the functional limitations of individuals with complex communication disorders. Our collaborative research model includes academic, industry, clinical and patient/family partnerships.

Research conducted in the Communication Center addresses three primary aims:

1. Developing technology for use in restorative and compensatory treatment for persons with complex communication disorders.

2. Documenting and refining best practices in restorative and compensatory treatment to optimize the functional outcomes for persons with complex communication disorders. Tony Sanson, a research participant, learns the finer points of technology under development in the 3. Maximizing independence and life participation of Communication Center of Excellence, from individuals with severe physical disabilities Dr. Susan Fager, director. through meaningful application of technology. The Communication Center of Excellence focuses on developing technologies and strategies to assist the most severely injured patients with communication in their daily life interactions.

See the safe last in action at: madonna.org/safelaser

Now you can.® | 9 While practicing on the driving simulator, Janice Bashara refines her scanning and reaction skills with Kayla Hoge, occupational therapist.

10 | Now you can.® the TECHNOLOGY Technology helps stroke survivor regain vision deficits

Janice Bashara sets paintbrush to canvas during a recreation therapy session, creating a beautiful landscape painting. Bashara, a 79-year-old retired art teacher, came to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals-Omaha Campus in May after a stroke affected her mobility and vision. “That’s what an artist does. You have to be able to see,” said Janice as she explained how the stroke impacted her vision on her left side, as well as her ability to walk. Visual field loss, like Janice described, is a common symptom after stroke, according to the National Stroke Association, affecting about two-thirds of stroke survivors. Stroke survivor Janice Bashara loves painting Pacific “I didn’t realize I had a vision problem until using the Ocean scenes. So Jessie Eveland, recreational therapist, brought brushes, paint and canvas to a (Dynavision) and missed all the buttons on the left side,” recent therapy session. “I’m passionate about living a she said. good life,” says Janice. The Dynavision™ is one of many pieces of technology used in Madonna’s Vision Rehabilitation Program, which ranges from strengthening eye muscles to eliminating double vision to improving visual scanning to building environmental awareness. “We can be as simple or as complex as we want,” said Driver Retraining Program occupational therapist Kayla Hoge, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., C.B.I.S., the vision program leader for Madonna’s Omaha Campus. Think back to when you got your driver’s license “We have things like the Dynavision and we have our BITS as a teenager. You may have felt a new level of (Bioness Integrated Therapy System) visual trainer. We independence as you thought of hitting the open can really do some high level visual tasks where we’re road. For many patients at Madonna, regaining incorporating cognition, eye movements, and those thinking the ability to drive is an important goal because it skills to make a task more complex and a little bit more allows a significant level of independence. challenging and engaging for those patients.” Vision rehab was just one component of Janice’s Specially trained instructors use state-of-the-art individualized care plan. In physical therapy, she also used technology like a driving simulator to assess basic the Lokomat™, a robotic gait trainer that allowed her to skills such as reaction time, visual and perceptual practice walking with body weight support. skills and movement. “They’re relentless on their therapy, which is a good thing. If you had a chance you would say no, but they keep you When individuals improve, they can move to the going,” said Janice, adding that she has progressed to using training car equipped with hand and foot controls, a walker with assistance. and train with adaptive equipment.

Now you can.® | 11 Madonna matters to me A reflection by Dr. Robert Buchman, retired thoracic surgeon and 2015 Madonna Vision Award Recipient When I first came to Lincoln in 1972 to join the thoracic surgery practice of Dr. Steve Carveth and Dr. Herb Reese, I often checked on the group’s patients at Madonna. It became pretty apparent to us as physicians that the patients who were sent to Madonna tended to recover and go home, and the ones who were sent elsewhere seldom went home. That got my attention and reminded me of some of my experiences in the military. As a former Air Force and Army physician, I was aware that the military pioneered the concept of rehabilitation following World War II. Dr. Robert Buchman (right) joins Dr. Samuel Bierner, Sister Phyllis, then president of Madonna, understood the medical director of the Physical Medicine and power of rehabilitation and the concept was born in Lincoln. Rehabilitation Residency Program, in front of I truly believe that without Sr. Phyllis, Madonna would not be the Madonna Omaha Campus residency office. Dr. Buchman’s generous gift to Madonna helped a rehabilitation hospital today. make the Omaha Campus and the residency From a personal standpoint, my wife, Claire, had multiple program a reality. operations on her back due to arthritis of the spine, so there were a lot of admissions to Madonna over the years. One thing we noticed during her admissions in the 1990s Residency program a is that she seldom saw the same physician. I mentioned to first for Nebraska Sr. Phyllis that wouldn’t it be great if we trained physiatrists The Dr. Robert and Claire Buchman Physical (physical medicine doctors) locally so that they could benefit Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program from such a diverse group of patients at Madonna and is the only such program in Nebraska and a maybe stay in the region to practice. five-state region. The residency program, in This idea for a physiatry residency has been about 25 partnership and collaboration with the University years in the making. A great deal of credit goes to the of Nebraska Medical Center, will accept its first leadership of former CEO Marsha Lommel and Paul Dongilli class of residents in 2018. According to for establishing the Madonna Omaha Campus which Paul Dongilli, Jr., Ph.D., Madonna president prompted the academic affiliation with the University of and CEO, “This partnership brings together Nebraska Medical Center. the expertise of two outstanding health care It is gratifying for me to see my gift to Madonna establish organizations, combining clinical medical a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program expertise and academic training to benefit our happen in my lifetime. What an incredible opportunity for patients. We are most grateful to Dr. Buchman for residents to train at a world-class rehabilitation hospital with his generous gift that made the Omaha Campus such a diverse patient base. I believe it will become one of and this program possible.” the top-rated programs in the country.

To read more of Dr. Buchman’s reflection, go to: www.madonna.org/foundation 12 | Now you can.® the SUPPORT

Planned gift fulfills donor wishes

Nurse, teacher, youth advocate, artist Scholarships help people and dog lover . . . Helen Vanderwall was help themselves a woman of varied interests and many A grateful family “paid it forward” 31 years ago to talents. The Seward, Nebraska, resident ensure that Madonna staff members, who cared so also was a philanthropist, designing a lovingly for a loved one, would have the opportunity planned giving strategy well before her Helen Vanderwall to further their educational dreams. death in April of this year. The R.F. and Margaret O. Mullin Education Fund Helen, and her late husband, Clinton, discussed the best was established in 1986 by the Mullins’ daughters, way to leave a legacy. They decided to support educational Marilyn Story and Charlene Hammer, to honor their opportunities—especially for needy young people. Helen chose parents. During Mullin’s stay as a patient at Madonna, Madonna among the charities her estate would support and the family witnessed first-hand the high quality of care asked that the funds be used for staff education. made possible by the dedicated team. The family was “Helen used several giving vehicles to create her perfect deeply touched by the comfort afforded to their father planned gift,” said Suzanne Sughroue, CFRE, director of during his final days. development, at the Lincoln Campus. “She purchased As a former nurse, Marilyn Story appreciated annuities that provided her income during her lifetime and the need for a talented nursing staff. She believes named Madonna as the beneficiary. Additionally, she created strongly in the power of education to help people a charitable trust that paid her an income until her death. help themselves, which ultimately benefits children Then, the trust paid a death benefit to all the charities named in and adults at Madonna. her trust documents.” If you are interested in learning more about planned gifts to Madonna, please contact Suzanne Sughroue at 402.413.4782, [email protected] or John C. Glenn, vice president of development, Omaha Campus at 402.401.5051, [email protected].

Let’s keep in touch

Keep connected to Madonna with your free subscription to Madonna Foundation e-News. This monthly electronic publication covers the latest on both the Lincoln and Omaha campuses including special events, During a recent visit to California, Suzanne generous donations, grateful patients Sughroue, Madonna Foundation director of and more. development, updates Marilyn Story on the scholarship fund Marilyn and her sister established. Email: [email protected] and request your monthly subscription to e-News today.

Now you can.® | 13 2016-2017 Lincoln Corporate Hope Appeal Partners BY THE NUMBERS Corporate Partners 31 Thanks to the support of our corporate partners who helped make the following possible in 2016-17: 786 32 323 children and adults participated children and adults received patients received emergency in Madonna’s Adaptive Sports & specialized equipment not financial support for basic needs Recreation programming covered by insurance through First through the St. Benedict Fund Hope Equipment Fund

The Madonna Foundation recently launched its 2017-18 Lincoln Corporate Hope Appeal. We thank the following corporate partners for their $5,000 sponsorships:

Thank you to our other generous sponsors who have pledged their support to date:

Assurity The Harry A. Koch Co. Bison O’Neill, Heinrich, Damkroger, Bergmeyer & Shultz, P.C., L.L.O. Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, L.L.P. United Healthcare Eakes Office Solutions World of Green

14 | Now you can.® the SUPPORT

Corporate Donor Profile: Union Bank & Trust – A generous community partner for 100 years

The Madonna Foundation is proud to salute Union Annually, UBT provides financial support to more than 200 Bank & Trust (UBT) as it celebrates 100 years of helping organizations. Additionally, UBT’s employees are actively entrepreneurs, community builders and families with involved in leadership and volunteering with their banking, lending, investment and trust services. favorite organizations. “Union Bank & Trust has been a loyal and generous Madonna has been the fortunate partner of Madonna in every major hospital initiative recipient of volunteerism and in our history, as well as a wonderful annual sponsor,” service by a number of UBT’s said Suzanne Sughroue, director of Development. employees including its president Union Bank & Trust is a member of Madonna’s and CEO. Angie served on the Visionary giving society. This designation is reserved Madonna Foundation board of Angie Muhleisen for Madonna donors whose generous gifts are at the directors from 1993 to 2002, highest level of support. including a three-year term as board chair. She shared her When Jay Dunlap purchased Union Bank in 1965, talents with the board of directors Madonna Rehabilitation there was just one bank location on South 48th Street. Hospitals from 2004 to 2013 and led the board as chair Today, UBT is the largest bank in Lincoln, employing from 2008 to 2011. more than 800 people in 36 offices in more than 20 “Madonna is a place of hope, healing and innovative communities in Nebraska and the Kansas City metro health care,” Angie said. “Madonna is a true gift to our area. UBT is led by Jay’s daughter, Angie Muhleisen, community and we are proud to support its mission.” who is president and CEO. The bank will celebrate its Congratulations to UBT on its first 100 years. Thank you 100th anniversary with special events, special product for partnering with Madonna for the benefit of all those we opportunities and community donations. are privileged to serve. We look forward to Union Bank’s Part of the success of UBT over the years has next 100 years. translated into helping support non-profit organizations.

2nd annual ‘Miles for Madonna’ slated for Sept. 30

You can run, you can roll, you can walk and you can stroll. Everyone is invited to participate in the second annual Miles for Madonna 5K run/1 mile walk on Saturday Sept. 30 beginning at 10 a.m. at Zorinsky Lake Park, 3808 S. 154th Street in Omaha. The event will be held at Shelter 5 near the boat ramp.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Madonna Omaha Campus campaign. This year’s event will feature a Kid Zone with face painting, balloon artist, games and fun for all. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and Madonna bandana. “Virtual Runners” are invited participate. To learn more or to register for this year’s event, go to: www.madonnaomahacampus.org and click on “Events.” Now you can.® | 15 Aiden Crouse shares a light moment with retired NASA astronaut and Nebraskan Clayton Anderson during a Skype video chat. Jody Macke, R.N., connected the two space lovers as part of Aiden’s recovery from a traumatic brain injury. Aiden was a patient at the Alexis Verzal Children’s Rehabilitation Unit at Madonna’s Lincoln Campus.

16| | Now Now you you can.®can.® the RECOVERY

Grade-schooler returns to classroom following brain injury

Seven-year-old Aiden Crouse of Lincoln, Nebraska, had a good excuse for missing school last winter. He was hit by a truck in the crosswalk near Saratoga Elementary on Dec. 8. Aiden suffered a traumatic brain injury that caused his brain to swell. He spent weeks in critical condition in the hospital. Aiden is the oldest of three children, and loves school, especially science and math. “He’s smart, funny, just an amazing child,” said his mother, Hannah. When Aiden needed the next step in his recovery, Hannah and her husband Floyd, chose the Alexis Verzal Children’s Rehabilitation Unit at Madonna’s Lincoln Campus. Days before Christmas, Aiden admitted to the specialized Aiden works on his reading comprehension in the TLC, pediatric unit weak and unresponsive. “He literally couldn’t Madonna’s on-site school, with Nova Adams, therapeutic educational coordinator. do anything,” said Scott Fandrich, physical therapist. Gradually Aiden learned to sit up, maneuver a wheelchair and throw a ball. Teachers in the Kit’s Academy Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) kept Aiden on track with his schoolwork. Therapeutic Learning Center A big morale booster for Aiden was meeting retired NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson. Jody Macke, RN, tapped The Kit’s Academy Therapeutic Learning Center into Aiden’s love of space to connect Aiden with Clayton (TLC) at the Lincoln Campus and a similar one at through a Skype video chat. Aiden came well-prepared with the Omaha Campus, is an on-site, classroom-based questions for the astronaut that he had researched during program allowing school-aged patients to continue his therapy in TLC. academic pursuits with an educational specialist Visits from University of Nebraska-Lincoln baseball during their recovery. Children, adolescents and players, who participated in his physical therapy sessions by young adults in college are exposed to real-life shooting hoops and playing catch, also lifted Aiden’s spirits. challenges within the classroom and work with their The athletes invited Aiden to Memorial Stadium where he therapy team to overcome any limitations. got out of his wheelchair and walked across the football Madonna’s educational specialists also serve as field. It was impressive progress for the young boy. liaisons to the schools, helping teachers and staff Throughout his inpatient stay and then months of understand what accommodations a student needs outpatient therapy, Aiden made incredible progress. His to be successful in returning to the academic setting. classmates cheered when he returned to the classroom last TLC services are offered at no cost to patients spring. Today, he’s still that inquisitive, smart, witty boy who and are solely dependent on the support of couldn’t wait to start third grade. generous donors. We applaud Aiden’s upbeat attitude throughout his rehabilitation journey and award him an A+ on his recovery report card!

Now you can.® | 17 Kelsay Parrott confidently poses on the eve of her senior prom. After suffering extensive third-degree burns in a tragic accident in 2003, the young woman endured 51 surgeries, and overcame bouts of depression and suicide, to become an outstanding role model for other burn survivors.

18 | Now you can.® the SUCCESS

Burn survivor rises like a Pediatric Rehabilitation phoenix as beacon of hope Program Reborn, renewed and reimagined. It’s how Kelsay Parrott The Pediatric Specialty Program at Madonna offers describes herself after a horrific accident propelled her on a family-centered rehabilitation in a separate and secured 14-year-long emotional and physical roller coaster. unit to meet the needs of children and adolescents On May 13, 2003, Kelsay, then a precocious 4-year-old with all types of diagnoses. Children are not little adults. from Cherokee, Iowa, leaned over to blow out a candle. A They have special medical considerations during string of her sundress caught the lit candle, quickly engulfing their rehabilitation. her dress in flames. Forty-five percent of Kelsay’s body The children’s unit offers a large, comprehensive sustained excruciating third-degree burns. pediatric therapy gym, which includes separate bays During a lengthy hospitalization and 21-day coma, Kelsay for a variety of therapeutic interventions. An indoor says she met Jesus. “He wasn’t ready for me; He said I have playground offers accessible playground equipment, a purpose in this life and will find it,” said the young burn a walking track and basketball court. Many adolescents survivor, who’s endured 51 surgeries and gradually learned and children also find working and playing in the indoor, to embrace her scars. warm-water therapeutic pool fun and highly beneficial. In addition to expert pediatric and burn rehabilitation, The Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) allows school- Madonna’s Lincoln Campus offered the youngster a unique aged patients to continue their studies and transition healing environment. “My most memorable experiences I back to the classroom. didn’t realize were therapy!” recalls Kelsay. Grocery shopping with a toy cart and dressing up like a princess, typical kid activities, transitioned the little girl from a wheelchair to walking. “Madonna became home to me and changed my life,” said Kelsay. In 2004, the Iowan was honored for her courageous recovery with a Madonna GOAL Award. Kelsay’s extraordinary list of accomplishments includes: the Gold Award, Girl Scout’s highest honor, for her Fireproofing Life project on burn injury and prevention; creating Joy Bags by Kelsay and sharing thoughtful gifts with burn patients; attending World Burn Congress; and earning top awards like Heart of Flame and Camper of the Year for her positivity and passion at burn camps. The humble teen is quick to give God the glory for it all. Kelsay considers her recent high school graduation a milestone achievement. She conquered the dark days of painful surgeries, “hating” herself and multiple suicide attempts. “I cried tears of pride and joy accepting my

A simple act of blowing out a candle went awry, burning diploma,” said Kelsay, who is studying youth/family ministry 45 percent of Kelsay Parrott’s 4-year-old body. Dressing up and communications at Northwestern College in Orange like a princess, complete with tiara, was therapy in disguise. City, Iowa. Her ultimate goal is becoming a motivational The fun activity challenged Kelsay to use her severely speaker. “I want to change the world, make a difference in burned left arm and increase her range of motion. the lives of others and be the best role model I can be.”

Now you can.® | 19 Gardening is among the activities Roger Lewis See more of Roger’s recovery at: enjoys after suffering madonna.org/RogerLewis a spinal cord injury in November 2016.

caption 2020 || NowNow youyou can.®can.® the RECOVERY

Omahan’s love of travel resumes after spinal cord injury

Just back from a California road trip with wife Carol, Roger Lewis is already plotting his next getaway. “I continue to make gains to get my life back.” Newly retired as executive director for Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation, Roger’s love for travel came to a sudden halt last fall. He tripped as he was walking into an eastern Iowa auditorium to see his granddaughter’s musical performance, suffering a spinal cord injury. “I heard a crack in my neck when I fell down on my face. When I gathered myself to get up, I had no feeling in either my arms or legs,” said Roger. Roger’s fall was impacted by spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal, which for Roger, resulted in temporary paralysis to his arms and legs. Flown to Kelly Roth, occupational therapist, guides Roger Lewis in the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, Roger using the ArmeoSpring to regain function, mobility and underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his spinal cord. overall strength in his arms and shoulders. The Omahan utilized Madonna’s full continuum of care beginning in Roger chose Madonna for rehabilitation because of its Lincoln and transitioning to Omaha after suffering a spinal specialized equipment, expertise and location. cord injury last fall. “We are very fortunate in this part of the country to have a facility like Madonna available for those of us who face these kinds of problems and challenges to get better.” Roger Armeo®Spring benefited from working with spinal cord injury experts like Roger’s fall affected the central portion of his spinal Kathy Sievers, physical therapist. “He was very motivated to cord, resulting in significant weakness to his upper get better, to be able to do things on his own and to be able extremities including his arms and shoulders. to continue to enjoy his retirement,” Sievers said. Throughout inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation As Roger improved, he transitioned through Madonna’s Roger has benefited from the use of the ArmeoSpring continuum of care from the Specialty Hospital to acute to regain function, mobility and overall strength. rehabilitation to Madonna’s Transitional Care Unit and This specialized piece of technology is designed to continued to make gains to be successful and independent retrain arm and hand function following spinal cord at home. For outpatient therapy, Roger chose Omaha’s injury as well as stroke, traumatic brain injury or other TherapyPlus. “There are no guarantees to what the extent neurological illness. Therapists use the ArmeoSpring of your recovery will be, no one can tell … so you have to to create the thousands of repetitions necessary to have patience and the belief you can get your life back,” retrain the brain while the patient is immersed in an Roger said. on-screen virtual environment. “You play games but it’s Post-second surgery, Roger continues outpatient got a serious purpose and that’s to help you learn how therapy to gain strength and flexibility. Besides travel, Roger to move your arms to a greater extent, which is very volunteers, gardens and enjoys time with his wife and family. important for my kind of injury,” said Roger. “My personal hero has been my wife, Carol, who has learned these last few months what the vows of ‘in sickness and in health’ mean when you’re married.”

Now you can.® | 21 John Abkes’ family, including his wife Julie (center) and daughter Jennifer Mcivor and her husband Nathan, played an important role during his rehabilitation from a spinal cord injury. (Not pictured: John’s son and daughter-in-law Luke and Kjirsten Abkes)

See more of John’s recovery at: madonna.org/JohnAbkes

22 | Now you can.® the CARE Faith, family and friends provide support system John Abkes describes himself as the main character in a with more names: Jennifer [Monroe] the nurse, Casey, story God is telling, with family, friends and a mass of health both the guy [Bowling] and the girl [Kacee Harris], care professionals in supporting roles. In this part of his story, Amy [Taylor] and Sarah [Hamilton)] Heather [Dienstbier] the Omaha, Nebraska, man is recovering from a spinal cord and more. injury caused by a strong wave slamming him into the ocean Today, John is back to work, but still faces challenges, floor while he was vacationing with wife, two grown children like muscle tension in his shoulders and missing some feeling and their spouses in Cabo, Mexico, in December 2016. in his fingers. “From what I understand I was, I don’t know the technical “Even though he’s done with outpatient therapy, he medical terms for it, but dead’s the word that I have for it. is faithful about doing the exercises, the stretches and And so they brought me back,” he said. everything to the T and beyond. And he does that so that His daughter and son, Jennifer Mcivor and Luke Abkes, he can have a quality of life with us,” said Julie. pulled him from the water, and Jennifer, a registered nurse, The Abkes’ welcomed their first grandchild in July when began CPR. “I remember just doing my compressions and Luke’s wife, Kjirsten, delivered a baby girl, reinforcing John’s pleading to God that this not be the last memory I have of new outlook on life. him,” Jennifer said. “Faith, family, friends—the rest is just noise,” said John. He survived and was eventually flown to Methodist “I’m really trying to make sure my calendar reflects my Hospital in Omaha. John started his recovery journey in acute priorities more so now than it ever has. I think I’m making rehabilitation at Madonna in Lincoln, and continued outpatient progress.” therapy at Madonna’s TherapyPlus Omaha Campus location. “It all started with an initial evaluation when I was in Lincoln and I could really just move two feet and one finger. And so if you think about it, that’s where we started,” John explained, after finishing outpatient aquatic therapy in Omaha. “And you think about me walking out of Lincoln, and then about that I’m actually able to drive to my therapy here today is nothing short of a miracle.” John’s wife Julie, and their children supported him in Lincoln, participating in every therapy. “We’re blessed at Madonna. They let us go to all the therapy sessions, so between the three of us, someone’s always there,” said Jennifer. “They teach us everything and let us be so hands-on with him. And I think, for us, it helps us see that he’s not so fragile as we remember him being. We see him getting stronger.” John has a long list of names of Madonna staff credited with helping him along the way. “Lindsay [Tuxhorn] occupational therapist in Lincoln, and Janelle [Hansen] physical therapist. And Sarah [Stevicks] in the pool. Those John Abkes works on his balance and stamina with the three people were just a special blessing in my life when it Proprio® 4000 during outpatient physical therapy at the comes to this,” said John, as Julie and Jennifer chimed in Omaha TherapyPlus location.

Now you can.® | 23 NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals PAID 5401 South Street LINCOLN, NE PERMIT NO. 1122 Lincoln, NE 68506

At Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, we combine heartfelt hospitality with incomparable innovation and education. Our clinical expertise, world-class research and state-of-the-art equipment empower us to help all patients, even those whose diagnoses pose the most complex challenges. Our investment in exceptional talent, groundbreaking technology and progressive treatments is changing the face of rehabilitation.

Our people are changing lives.

On the cover: Throughout his recovery from a traumatic brain injury, Jacob Rickel of Liberty, Missouri, remained determined to return to his career as a pipefitter. Read more of his story on page 7.

Photo credit: Stacey Smith Photography

Hospital: 402.413.3000 | Admissions: 402.486.8260 | Toll Free: 800.676.5448 | madonna.org