A few weeks ago, I was asked to serve as am ambassador for Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. I was asked to do this because of my "positive outlook" and work ethic. Later I found out my job is to help them raise money, which I am happy to do, given all that they have done to help ME.

Madonna is one of the largest rehabilitation systems in the US, serving adults and children recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and other medically complex conditions. At the end of this story, I will ask you for money, and if you are so inclined, please donate via the link.

My story begins about 7 years ago, when 2 years after a routine knee replacement, my joint became infected. Thus began an arduous cycle of infection, surgery, IV antibiotics, usually a leg immobilizer, and lots of physical therapy. Lather, rinse, repeat. I went to various surgeons in both Lincoln and Omaha in search of a solution. Lest you think someone was dropping the ball, I had AMAZING surgeons, doctors, therapists, nurses, etc. No one, not even the most cutting edge researchers, could find a fix. The last infection led my surgeon and me to the difficult decision to amputate my leg above the knee. Enter Hanger Clinic and Madonna.

As you may know, I was an active person, spending most of my weekends hanging out with my children and grandchildren. I loved watching the grands to help out my daughter and son-in-law, I loved attending all of their sporting events and school programs, and helping out in their classrooms (Even though I am a retired teacher, I still miss it. Volunteering is the next best thing!) I was also an avid swimmer, walker and traveler. After spending much of the last several years unable to do all the things I enjoyed, I was ready for a change.

I am a person who likes lots of information, so my first stop was the Hanger Clinic. My 2 prosthetics, Melissa and Kelsey, talked me through all things legless, and gave me the beginning of the belief that I could have a "normal" life again. I told my team of surgeons (yes, it takes a team) that I wanted to be able to drive, live independently and attend sporting events, and they said, "We will make that happen!" One of the things they suggested was that I spend some time after my surgery in-patient at Madonna Rehab. Initially I was not a fan because it sounded like more hospital, but I agreed to give it a try. So in May of this year, I had my surgery, and received what my grandson refers to as my "choppy leg". I spent a few days in the hospital, then off to Madonna I went.

I was pleasantly surprised by it. First of all, the food was GOOD, and there was a snack station across from my room! More importantly, I met my fabulous rehab "team" (yep, there's a team there, too). The first day, I bonded with my AMAZING occupational therapist, Kayleigh. It is not an exaggeration to say that she gave me back my life. She helped me to learn all of the important skills I needed to live independently. She also listened to my endless rants about how I could just DO things if they would let me. Because of her faith in me, I actually could do all the things I wanted. My physical therapist, Jess, helped me learn to balance on 1 leg, build up my strength in both legs and arms (wheelchairing is no joke) and learn to transfer. When I had a good workout, she let me go down the ramps with no hands!

After a few days, I left in-patient and started outpatient therapy back in Lincoln. My therapist there, Tara, is also amazing. Since I got my first test leg in July to now, I have progressed from balancing, to standing, to a walker, to a cane, and last week took my first unassisted steps. I am very proud of my progress, and everyone says I have greatly exceeded their timeline and expectations. I feel like I have also added to my Nebraska family.

My current goals are to get back to travelling and attending Husker sports in person!

I am forever grateful to both the Hanger Clinic and Madonna Rehab Hospital for believing in me, PUTTING UP with me, and taking such tremendously good care of me.

Once again, if you feel so compelled, please feel free to either attend the December 6 Miracle Night for Madonna gala or donate to the hospital via the link on this page as I would not be where I am today without them!