Kyle Ann's Story
Breathing Free for the First Time
Kyle Ann Rochford knew she was making progress the day she spent 24 hours breathing on her own. After weeks of relying on a ventilator, that milestone was a big turning point. “I knew I was going to be okay,” she said.
Before her illness, Kyle’s life was full. She spent time with her husband, William, and her adopted, Cormac, whom she calls “Mac Attack.” Kyle Ann loved walking two miles a day, listening to mystery novels and true crime podcasts. A devoted Philadelphia sports fan, she cheered for the Eagles year-round.
After Kyle Ann was diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy, she quickly grew weak. When she woke up one morning and could barely move, Kyle Ann called 911 and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, then transferred to an intensive care unit for advanced treatment. Doctors discovered she was in a myasthenia crisis, a severe flare up of a neuromuscular condition that affects muscle strength. Kyle Ann had also developed acute respiratory failure and could no longer breathe on her own.
Kyle Ann was intubated and placed on a ventilator, then received a tracheostomy, which is a tube surgically inserted in the airway to aid in breathing. A feeding tube was also placed for nutrition. After spending weeks in intensive care, Kyle Ann transferred to Select Specialty Hospital – Willingboro, a critical illness recovery hospital. There, Kyle Ann and her family met with a physician-led team who created a personalized plan to help her begin the journey home.
Setting Recovery Goals
Kyle Ann’s goal was clear: get off the ventilator so she could go home and hug her grandson. The work toward that goal began immediately.
Nurses focused on Kyle Ann’s comfort and safety. They managed anxiety medications, followed a turning schedule to prevent bed sores and worked closely with therapy teams to prepare Kyle Ann for each session. They also ensured Kyle Ann was upright twice a day to help improve her balance and lung function.
Respiratory therapists gradually reduced ventilator support so Kyle Ann could take more breaths on her own, strengthening her lungs and the muscles used for breathing. The respiratory therapists also monitored Kyle Ann as she practiced walking with the ventilator. After five weeks, Kyle Ann no longer needed the machine and it was removed from the room.
Speech therapy then helped Kyle Ann regain her voice and ability to swallow. She started with a speaking valve placed on her tracheostomy tube, a device that lets air pass over vocal cords so patients can talk. Therapists also performed swallowing evaluations, including using a tiny camera inserted through the nose to check how food moves down the throat. After her evaluation, Kyle Ann was cleared to eat regular meals.
Physical therapy began with sitting at the edge of the bed and light resistance exercises. In time, Kyle Ann was able to stand and walk short distances with assistance.
Occupational therapy focused on daily activities like brushing teeth, gripping objects and building upper body strength. These exercises helped Kyle Ann regain independence and confidence, both essential for her return home.
A Village of Support
Kyle Ann’s husband visited every day. Friends and family rallied around her. “It made me realize what a difference I made in people’s lives because everyone came out of the woodwork to support me,” she said. Old classmates reached out, and a friend’s 91-year-old mother sent well wishes.
Kyle Ann credits the entire team for restoring her dignity. “It’s not easy needing help for everything, but they made me feel human, not like just a number,” she said.
Five weeks after arriving, Kyle Ann had reached her goals. She was breathing on her own, back to regular meals and walking up to 75 feet with assistance.
Next up was inpatient rehabilitation where Kyle Ann would continue to work on rebuilding strength and stamina – one step closer to returning home so she could give Mac Attack a big hug to make up for the months she had been away.