Submitted by Alyssa Santamaria, Rehab Aide, Patriot Heights, San Antonio, TX
In the late months of 2020, Gracie contracted the virus, COVID-19, which changed her life completely. From being very socially active and full of life, her life was turned upside-down. She was in the fight of her life and recalled hearing “Echale Ganas! Echale Ganas!” which is Spanish for “Give it your all!”
That was what Gracie kept hearing throughout her fight. And, she did. With time, she was cleared of the virus but continued to have symptoms. Because she was continuing to have symptoms, our Therapy team at Patriot Heights worked with the approval of Dr. Ramon Reyes, to create a plan to help her recover. That plan included getting her back into doing the activities and groups she loved, such as playing the accordion, participating in her church, and always helping all those around her.
Since Gracie has been a part of the community here at Patriot Heights, it was easier for her and our team to create a unique plan to try and get her to the best version of herself. With all odds against her, she did not give up. Gracie worked long and hard with our Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Speech Therapist to get back to a normal life. Our team worked together on different aspects of her body and muscles, cognitive memory, oral motor skills, balance, and giving her the support she needed. They were able to get Gracie back on her feet and become the best version of herself, even better than where she was before.
“They are the best. They helped me a lot and now I am able to move again. I can move my fingers to play my accordion and move my arms and legs to participate in fencing. Therapy went the extra mile. They are my extended family. They are professional and work hard to help me achieve my goals. I am independent, confident on my feet, and happy to be able to live my life how I’m supposed to. Dr. Reyes, thank you for approving my therapy. They helped get me to where I am now, and that is something I did not believe I’d be able to achieve,” Gracie says.
Gracie has now graduated from all three therapy programs. Since gaining her independence back, she has been able to play her accordion and has added fencing as one of her hobbies, which she started doing as soon as she was able to walk and move again. Not only our Therapy team, but our whole family here at Patriot Heights are ecstatic about being able to work together to give Gracie her independence and confidence back, giving her the opportunity to keep living and enjoying her best life. With all she has accomplished, she has inspired and motivated many others to keep pushing forward. She also recommends therapy to her friends and those around her.
Gracie, we are so proud of you for what you have been able to accomplish. Sigale echandole ganas!