Back on Her Feet, Back to Say Thank You: Donna's Story

When Donna returned to Rutherford Regional this week, she wasn't there for treatment. She was back on her feet and there to say thank you. Not long ago, the 58-year-old was brought by EMS to Rutherford Regional’s Emergency Department with shortness of breath. Her condition quickly became critical, requiring admission to the ICU, where she spent several days sedated.

Her recovery was a long and difficult journey, but Donna is deeply grateful to the care teams, including the doctors, ICU nurses, and therapy teams, who helped her along the way. She recalled how Sebastien, her physical therapist, encouraged her every day to get out of bed and keep working toward getting back on her feet.

This week, those steps brought her back through the hospital halls to reconnect with the people who had cared for her. There were smiles and laughter as Donna walked, talked, and shared her progress—a powerful contrast to the days when she had been so ill.

For Physical Therapist Sebastien and ICU nurses Amanda and Yashica, seeing Donna back on her feet made the visit especially meaningful. They were delighted to hear how well she was doing and grateful she had returned to share this part of her story with them.

Donna also had a special reason to keep moving forward: her great-grandchild, who was born while she was hospitalized. She shared that this new addition to her family became another source of motivation as she worked to regain her strength.

Throughout her visit, Donna offered her thanks again and again. She said she doesn’t know where she would be without the people who cared for her—a heartfelt reminder of what this recovery means to her.

Today, Donna is doing well and returning to her own work caring for patients in home health. From needing intensive care to getting back on her feet and preparing to care for others again.

When the unexpected happens, you need care you can count on. At Rutherford Regional, our team is here for you and the people you love—providing compassionate care when it matters most. For more information about our services, visit MyRutherfordRegional.com.