"My stay at John Heinz was a spiritual experience."
The Very Reverend James Hayer
After suffering a stroke and spending several weeks in an acute care hospital, The Very Reverend James Hayer, 43 remembers being wheeled into John Heinz Rehab. One of his therapists said that God makes the body able to heal itself, but the therapist helps His hand stay on the right track. Father Hayer said it was this thought that God had a hand in his healing process that got him through. Today, he participates regularly in a fitness program and is 'in the best shape he has been in for ten years'.
"I became friends with the people who took care of me."
Donna Manger
Over 30 years ago, Donna Manger was a passenger on a friend's motorcycle when a drunk driver hit them. Because of the accident, Donna is now paraplegic. When she got to Allied, she was scared to death, but the nurses and therapists were wonderful. "I became friends with them and we went out socially. Actually, we got to be like family," says Donna.
Donna is the Assistant Director of Medical Social Work in the Allied Unit at Mercy Hospital. Her personal experience has helped her greatly in her profession, giving her greater compassion and empathy for Allied's patients. She knows she can be an inspiration to those with similar injuries. "When a new patient sees me working in a wheelchair, they think, 'If she can do it, I can do it,'" says Donna.
"We couldn't ask for anything more. We have everything we need."
Grace Murray
Grace Murray moved into Allied Services Skilled Nursing Center two years ago after an illness. At first she stayed in her room, but the therapists wanted her out and about. When she finally started coming out of her room, they cheered. Grace says "The care here is wonderful, we have everything we need and the girls are great. I'm the president of the Resident Council. I've made many friends and like all the activities here. We recently had an Elvis impersonator who entertains us regularly. They take us out shopping to Kmart, Walmart, and Target, and to our doctor's appointments. They keep us very busy; I've made some beautiful ceramics. The food is good, the surroundings are clean. I really enjoy it here. We couldn't ask for anything more. We have everything we need."
"I was rolled into Allied Rehab and I floated out."
Jean Preston
When she was only 39, Jean Preston suffered a massive stroke. She spent three months as an inpatient at Allied Services Rehab Hospital, relearning to walk, talk and perform everyday functions.
"The nurses and therapists were all wonderful," says Jean, "and they really went all out to see that I recovered to the maximum of my ability."
Jean wanted to pay Allied back, so she became the founding president of VISTAS (Volunteers in Service to Allied Services). "I really am so appreciative. What appeared 20 years ago as a life changing event, has opened so many doors for me," says Jean. "My children live away. Allied has become my family. The past 20 years have been the best 20 years of my life."