Starla's Story
Starla Neher, 69, is known for her amazing attitude and bright smile. Married for 48 years, she and her husband raised two sons and now enjoy watching their grandchildren grow up. So when Starla was diagnosed with Stage IV lung/pancreatic cancer, it was a heavy blow for the entire family. Further, Starla's battle intensified when fluid began to build up in the sack around her lungs, which sent her to the hospital and led to intubation.
After stabilizing, Starla transferred to Select Specialty Hospital – Springfield where the respiratory therapy team helped her return to breathing independently. But she had grown weak and needed additional rehabilitation to gain back strength to care for herself. For that, she was moved to Select Medical Rehabilitation – Springfield, an on-site acute rehabilitation unit. A team of therapists, nurses and clinical staff developed a plan that would help Starla to regain her self-care skills.
Recognizing Starla's competitive nature, therapists integrated games such as bowling and corn hole into her rehabilitation, making the therapy sessions motivating and fun. To ensure continuity in her recovery process, therapists also encouraged Starla's family to actively participate, which they did.
Starla recalls the ah-ha moment during her recovery — working with occupational therapy to set a dinner table, fold towels and walk without any support. It was then that she felt a renewed sense of self and hope and that returning home was going to happen.
Gratitude pours forth when Starla speaks of her time at Select Specialty Hospital and Select Medical Rehabilitation. "It was uplifting, even enjoyable." she said. She's quick to credit her rapid recovery to her dedicated care teams and her supportive family and friends. For Starla, these bonds formed the backbone of her journey. "It feels like we've all become family," she reflects.
Starla's further shared that it in additional to the physical journey, it was also an emotional and psychological one. She learned patience, the art of being gentle with oneself, and the importance of letting emotions flow. She now understands that every day might look different but it's the spirit of giving 100 percent that counts.
As Starla prepared to return home, she looked forward to rekindling her old passions and making new memories with loved ones. Her story stands as a symbol of resilience and the transformative power of specialty care, family and community.
After stabilizing, Starla transferred to Select Specialty Hospital – Springfield where the respiratory therapy team helped her return to breathing independently. But she had grown weak and needed additional rehabilitation to gain back strength to care for herself. For that, she was moved to Select Medical Rehabilitation – Springfield, an on-site acute rehabilitation unit. A team of therapists, nurses and clinical staff developed a plan that would help Starla to regain her self-care skills.
Recognizing Starla's competitive nature, therapists integrated games such as bowling and corn hole into her rehabilitation, making the therapy sessions motivating and fun. To ensure continuity in her recovery process, therapists also encouraged Starla's family to actively participate, which they did.
Starla recalls the ah-ha moment during her recovery — working with occupational therapy to set a dinner table, fold towels and walk without any support. It was then that she felt a renewed sense of self and hope and that returning home was going to happen.
Gratitude pours forth when Starla speaks of her time at Select Specialty Hospital and Select Medical Rehabilitation. "It was uplifting, even enjoyable." she said. She's quick to credit her rapid recovery to her dedicated care teams and her supportive family and friends. For Starla, these bonds formed the backbone of her journey. "It feels like we've all become family," she reflects.
Starla's further shared that it in additional to the physical journey, it was also an emotional and psychological one. She learned patience, the art of being gentle with oneself, and the importance of letting emotions flow. She now understands that every day might look different but it's the spirit of giving 100 percent that counts.
As Starla prepared to return home, she looked forward to rekindling her old passions and making new memories with loved ones. Her story stands as a symbol of resilience and the transformative power of specialty care, family and community.