Saturday, June 28, 2003

Wichita Visitation

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Our today today was not about riding, but about visiting another HealthSouth facility, this time the Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita, KS.

We began as usual today, with an official escort to HealthSouth. Pictured at left are Ray Davis and Ron Minton of the Wichita Fire Department, Squad 16.

The Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital was lovely, with attentive staff and patients eager to hear our stories. Bruce was very impressed with the hospital, especially some of their research areas, such as the value of integrating acupunture into traditional treatment models. They also had an especially fine pool for performing aquatic-based physical therapy. Very impressive!

While today was a good day to visit, it was also a sad one. Cheryl leaves us on Monday, so today was her last visitation with us. She's pictured at left with Trish, who wore typically annoying Ohio State regalia.

We are REALLY going to miss you, Cheryl.

Many patients participated in our welcome today. We fielded many great questions and had a wonderful time swapping stories.

The boys with James Thayer and Administrator Pam Stanberry. James is an above knee amputee who lost his leg five years ago. He was a Wichita police office who was struck by a car while riding his police motorcycle. He's doing great and left the festivities early so that he and his wife, Renee, could begin their honeymoon. They were married only yesterday!

Congratulations James and Renee (pictured below, on the left).

After our welcome and a quick bite (the food was delicious!), we proceeded upstairs for one-on-ones with more patients. We were inspired by many tales of determination.

The Hunchback of Pedro Ohio discusses Ohio State football chances next year with a patient.

Bruce, as always, brought many smiles to the participants.

Mark was, as always, well... loud!

Thanks to Kami Loomis (not pictured) who organized the event with the help of Angie Jansen, Deb Wetta, and Bonnie Stephens of the Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital.

Tomorrow, we are on the road again. Destination is Stillwater, OK, which means we will be saying goodbye to Kansas, the sixth state on our journey.

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