Testimonial
PTA Daniel Weiler works with Katie
June 7 falls on a Thursday this year, and, for most of us, it will be a typical day, filled with normal activities – working, playing, family time together. For Katie Harvey, someone with a smile that lights up a room, though, it will have much more significance. That is the target date the Newton IL native has set for a huge moment in her life. That is the day that she wants to be able to walk again—one year to the day from her tragic accident of 2011.
After attending an insurance meeting in Bloomington, IL, Katie was a passenger in a mini-van with other fellow employees heading back to Effingham on the afternoon of June 7. As they approached LakeLand College/Mattoon exit (#184), a fatal accident up ahead of them on Route 57 had caused traffic to be slowed to a crawl. A semi behind them, failed to slow down, however, ramming into one pickup truck, then the van Katie was in, and then another vehicle before it tipped over on its side and burst into flames, killing the driver.
Unfortunately, one of Katie’s fellow passengers was killed as well. The media report merely stated that “22 year-old Katie Harvey of Newton was taken to Carle Hospital for treatment.” What it didn’t say was that Katie was thrown from the vehicle, suffering multiple injuries to her arm, her back, her spine and her legs. She also suffered a collapsed lung. One official told her that it was fortunate she wasn’t wearing a seat belt; had she been wearing one, she most likely would have been killed. Ironically, Katie swears she had her seatbelt on and remembered nothing of the accident.
“Treatment” at Carle lasted two months. Surgeries, rehab, doctors, nurses, therapy, wires, skin grafts, bone grafts, wheel chairs— all became part of her normal routine. Katie’s one year old daughter, Raylie, was afraid to approach her mother in the hospital. Katie’s parents, Randy and Linda, spent the entire time with her daughter, offering support and encouragement whenever they could. As tough as the situation was, the Carle personnel were amazed at her early desire to begin the long road back, always with a smile and a willing heart.
Katie Harvey and her 2-year old daughter Raylie
Once the two months were over, Katie returned home to Newton with her family and began physical therapy and further treatments at a facility in Effingham. Although she was not paralyzed, she was still confined to a wheelchair and so began the lonely, arduous task of trying to regain that normal lifestyle so she could become the mother she eagerly wanted to be for Raylie. After some time, however, Katie’s hopes began to fade, as the results she wanted didn’t come. “I felt like a number there,” she said. “Like sometimes they really didn’t care about me like I thought they should.” She told her mother that she didn’t think she would ever walk again.
In early February, Katie got a second chance. Champion Fitness Physical Therapy opened a new clinic in Newton, and the Harveys decided to change her routine and not have to travel out of town for therapy. “The first time I came in here,” Katie recalled, “I could tell they were different. These guys cared.”
They were PT Cory Hanley, PTA Daniel Weiler, and student assistant Tyler Doughty, and their approach gave Katie that much needed shot in the arm. “They spent time with me, they worked me hard; they pushed me….like I thought I needed to be pushed,” she said. For their part, working with Katie has been equally a joy for the clinicians. Like their counterparts at Carle, they have enjoyed her spirit and approach to each session, as if she is motivating THEM, rather than the other way around. “Everyday she’s in here—up to four days a week—she never has a bad day,” Tyler noted admiringly.
Her parents noted the change immediately. “These guys -,” mother Linda commented, “- they have meant the world to her. She looks forward to coming in here every day.” Her dad Randy added with a smile, “Best thing that’s happened to her.”
Katie Harvey knows the road ahead still is going to be tough. She faces a two-week stint of concentrated in-house therapy up in Chicago; there also might be more surgery on her arm to restore its full range of motion; and there are still weeks of therapy with her clinician friends at Champion. But Katie also sees that June 7 date coming up, and she remains determined to accomplish her goal. “I’ll be okay,” she smiles to whoever talks to her.
Somehow, you got to like her chances.
Here’s what some of our patients are saying about Champion Fintess Physical Therapy (taken from 30-day follow-up surveys)
- “I chose to go back to Champion Fitness because of the care I received there previously. Very friendly, caring staff.”
- “…PT was great, looked forward to every visit.”
- “3rd time receiving physical therapy. They were the best by far. I recommend them to anyone I know…”
- “…very nice and helped with every question…really know what they are doing.”
- “Therapy isn’t fun, but you folks make it as close to enjoyable as possible…Thank you for my therapy being a good experience. Gold Star for Champion Fitness!”
- (My daughter) “…loved going to therapy…made her exercises and overall experience fun. Thank you for everything!”
- “Thank you for making my knee completely well and my back so much better.”
We can help you with your physical therapy needs. At Champion Fitness Physical Therapy, the patient comes first – always!
The Lincoln Coffee Group---AA Kristan Knollenberg (C) surrounded by four of her friends (l-r) Hilda, AL, John, and Bill
For the past couple of months, a group of current and former patients convene once a week on Fridays at the Lincoln Champion Fitness Physical Therapy clinic for coffee, treats, maybe some breakfast, but mostly just to “catch up on the gossip,” as one of them so aptly put it. Whereas the practice of a daily or weekly coffee group might be found at a local restaurant in a community, these folks couldn’t think of a better place to get together than the Lincoln clinic.
The numbers vary; there are some regulars who show up each week, others show up when they can, some even forget and hear about later, but they all make it clear any and all are welcome. On this cold Friday morning, Hilda, Al, Bill, and John were comfortably sitting on chairs set in a semi-circle by AA Kristan Knollenberg, who provided a delicious breakfast casserole and a couple of angel food cakes to go along with a scrumptious dip prepared by Al. They bemoan the fact that PTA Jim Jarman was not there that day due to a scheduling change. The coffee had been poured, and they were “cussing and discussing” the pros and cons (mostly cons) of our state government…and government in general. No topic is covered in any great length; in fact, there were several conversations going on at the same time on a variety of topics.
When asked how the group started, Hilda admitted being the driving force behind it all. “I just had such a wonderful experience here getting my physical therapy,” she said. “They (Jim and Kristan) made me so welcome, it was almost like family. I just feel so comfortable.”
Immediately, the group all took turns crediting the Lincoln staff for either currently making their experience beneficial or reminiscing on how well they were treated. Bill said, “I found on my first visit I could trust Jim. That is so important. It wasn’t like that at the other place I went. Jim made me confident that I could get better…and I did!”
Both John and Hilda felt the quick turnaround to begin therapy once they had received their script from the doctors was important. “I was told it would be three and half weeks before I could start,” John stated. “I called here on a Thursday and talked to Kristan, and she got me started on the following Tuesday.” Hilda agreed. “They got me scheduled in no time. I really appreciated that.”
Al just smiled. “Jim’s the best! And you come here, and we are all friends. We share something!”
The Lincoln Coffee Group will be getting back together again next Friday….usually around 8:30 or 9. You can stay as long as you want, and there are no dues. Just coffee, a good round of discussion, maybe a few munchies…and a fond appreciation of the Champion crew in Lincoln.
Former Pontiac High School Superintendent Harlan C. (Butch) Cotter explains his experiences with the Champion Fitness Physical Therapy Staff. Last fall, he had great difficulties in walking; now…., let’s let him explain….
The following comments came from our Patient Surveys we ask them to fill out once they “graduate” from their therapy programs. Here’s what they are saying:
“Thank you! Excellent experience!” “Outstanding care and concern for my physical well-being!”
“Working with these professionals was the best physical therapy I have ever had!”
“Best therapy I have ever had.”
“I have had physical therapy at other places over the years, and this is the first time I feel we really addressed this issue and fixed it….very impressed and will refer others to you.”
“…not only were efficient and professional, but extremely friendly. They always made me feel very welcome.”
“I will ask my doctor to go to Champion if I need (therapy) again.”
“I am glad to have met all of you. Keep up the excellent work.”
“I can’t thank Champion enough- and everyone is so friendly—I am now a member!”
“You made my recovery far easier than expected. I have never worked with a more caring group.”
“Everyone was so amazing and made it very worthwhile!”
“…knowledgeable, friendly and love their work…really helped me with my recovery.”
This is the “Champion Experience!”
Week #3 winners of the Performer of the Week contest came from the undefeated El Paso-Gridley Girls basketball team. You would never know they are riding high with their accomplishments. They came out of the State Farm Classsic over Christmas as 1A-2A champions, defeating a very good Central Catholic team, have a bullseye on teir backs now with their record, and still seem intent on taking care of business with each game in 2012. Most importantly, they seem to be enjoying the moment, a lesson all of us could learn. They were very appreciative of their award, yet were not going to let it go to their heads. Instead, they were just enjoying the recognition, a pair of small towns who have joined forces to produce a quality basketball team, and, more importantly, a quality group of young ladies. Their coach, Kyle Bobbitt, said it best, “I really appreciate you coming over and having this contest to honor our girls’ accomplishment. The whole experience of the tournament, being interviewed on WEEK, and winning this Performer of the Week will be something that these girls remember for a lifetime.” ‘Nuff said.
Week #4 will begin this Thursday. Get your nominations in by Wednesday night at 10!
LEROY Clinic—“I can’t say enough about the people there. I felt at home. Everyone was so nice and caring. I felt like a human, not a number. Loved my experience.”
TUSCOLA Clinic—“I’ve had 4 joint replacements in the past 5 years. Each time I have chosen Champion Fitness for my physical therapy. I don’t think I could have made it through the last 5 years without (them).”
URBANA Clinic—“…phenomenal PT!…very thorough, concise, and offers time for questions! …a hard-working group with a touch of ‘fun,’ smiles, and a personal touch!”
STREATOR Clinic—“The whole crew would be like ratings on the stock market—Triple A+!”
DWIGHT Clinic—“This was the fourth time I (have) received PT. Every time was great!”
Mr. Schade,
I want to thank you for setting the climate of your organization. I have only been to the Champaign office but it they are any example, it is a good organization. There were a few times when others substituted in from other offices with the same level of care and concern, so I don’t think it is unique to that one location. If I am ever in need of further assistance with a therapy provider, you can be sure I will want to return to Champion! Tell (the girls) Thanks for me.
Arthur B Fager
“…very satisfied with the girls in Tuscola….attentive and caring…My recovery was enhanced by their care.”
