I had COVID and I spent 80 days at the Richmond University Hospital, literally fighting for my life. I won the fight, but I was very weak, unable to walk or even grip things in my hand. I was admitted to Richmond Center, and the team designed a plan to help me get stronger. It was hard work, but well worth it. The staff, from the aides to the nurses to the therapists promised I would get better, and they came through. I’ve been at Richmond Center for a month and I feel a 100% better. I can walk on my own and move in my room independently with a walker. I’m on the mend now and can’t wait to get back home to my community. They call me the “miracle patient,” and thanks to the team at Richmond Center, it’s true!

You know that old song, Don’t Fence Me In? That’s the story of my life. I’ve always been an independent guy, doing my thing. When I was a kid I dreamed of being a cowboy, riding the range. I left home when I was 18, bought an unlimited monthly Greyhound bus pass and traveled around the country. I’ve been on my own ever since. I never married or had kids, because that’s the way I wanted it. No strings, doing what I wanted when I wanted. Seven years ago, in 2012, that all blew up. I developed what they called a Functional Neurological Disorder. Big words, but what it meant for me was total dysfunction. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t even stand up. When I came to Richmond Center, I had to put my trust in them. Put myself in their hands. And the truth is, they were great. As soon I got there, one of the first things the social worker asked me was: “What are your goals?” “Independence,” I answered. No surprise there. But her answer was. “Excellent,” she said. “Let’s do it!” The Richmond team went to work. I’m not going to say it was easy, but nothing worth doing is. I did rigorous physical and occupational therapy, while the doctors and nurses looked after my health. And today, I live at Richmond Center, upstairs, on my own: Independent. So maybe I won’t ever get to be a cowboy, but that doesn’t mean I can’t go my…

I had been in good shape and quite healthy, but one day in April I suddenly, out of the blue, started to feel so tired and weak, I could barely even take a shower. Over the next few days, I felt weaker and weaker. Finally, my family called for an ambulance. At the hospital I was diagnosed with Covid-19, and I spent the next four weeks fighting for my life. The doctor said I was lucky to be alive… and my lucky streak continued when I was admitted to Richmond Center. I needed a lot of medical attention, and the Richmond Center team gave it to me. The nurses, therapists and activities staff were so good to me! Even when they weren’t working with me, they checked in to see how I was doing. I had become so weak, but the Richmond Center team got me back on my feet. In the beginning, I had wondered if I’d ever go home again. But now I know I will. Richmond Center helped me beat Covid-19, and I’m feeling like my old, healthy self again!