Amber Leach


After contracting COVID-19 and suffering respiratory failure, Amber Leach chose NCLTAH & NCRH for her recovery

Amber Leach, 44, lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She works for the state as a data analyst and loves her job. She is very active and stays social in her community. Amber explained, “I am very blessed with a great family and friends!” She enjoys being outdoors camping, fishing, riding horses, and participating in shooting sports. She also volunteers for the Cheyenne Frontier Days. Both her brother and sister live in Cheyenne, and her parents live in Nebraska.

After attending a large wedding as a bridesmaid, Amber started feeling very tired. Later she developed a headache and fever. She contracted COVID-19 and suffered from acute respiratory failure. Her condition required a ventilator to support her breathing.

Amber chose Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital to assist with her ventilator weaning. It was key that the facility was close to her home. This way, she could have the support of her friends and family nearby. She also read the great reviews that NCLTAH received on their website.

During her stay, Amber was appreciative of the care and attention she received. She stated, “The staff is amazing and so encouraging! Nursing went out of their way to meet my needs, and everyone has such a positive attitude.” She then transitioned to Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital due to loving the facility and it being just down the hall. She stated, “Everyone has the most positive attitudes!”

Amber looks forward to returning home to see her family, especially her new niece and nephews. She will continue working on her goals to get back to doing what she loves, being outdoors. She said, “I’m just continuing on this uphill road and thank these facilities for all the help!” 

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Linda Flores

Linda Flores appreciated the hard work and encouragement from her care team while she recovered from a stroke.

Linda Flores and her husband Steven have lived in Loveland, Colorado for the past eight years. Married for 49 years, Linda and Steven love to spend time with their three children and three grandchildren. In her retirement, Linda enjoys gardening, being a homemaker, and camping in her motorhome.

Linda suffered a right posterior cerebral artery stroke and chose to recover at Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital. She heard great things about their care and knew it would be easier for her family to recover closer to home.

Immediately impressed with her team of therapists, Linda felt motivated to work hard every day. She stated, “The therapists are very dedicated. They kept encouraging me and they are all so patient and very positive! The nurses, PCTs, and doctors were excellent. They are available at all times showing incredible teamwork.”

Linda is thankful to everyone at NCRH for their hard work, determination, and emotional support. As she continues her recovery at home, Linda looks forward to picking up old hobbies like gardening. She’s also excited to be around her family and dogs once again.

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Louis Rivera

After his motorcycle accident in New Orleans, Louis was relieved to find NCRH so he could recover close to home.

Retired at age 69, Louis Rivera lives in Windsor, CO with his spouse of 51 years. He loves to spend time with his daughter, son, and three grandchildren. In retirement, he has more time to focus on his hobbies. These include participating in the Knights of Columbus, fishing, camping, traveling, riding his motorcycle, and doing yard work. One day on the way to a Knights on Bikes rally his life took a turn.

While riding through New Orleans, Louis got into a motorcycle accident that left him with multiple injuries including a right lateral malleolus fracture. After receiving care from an acute hospital in Louisiana, Louis had to plan his return home. Part of the plan included finding a rehabilitation hospital where he could continue his recovery.

Louis’s case manager helped him find Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital. Since NCRH was close to home, his family spoke to friends of theirs that were former patients. They all stated that it is the best place in Northern Colorado for inpatient rehabilitation.

With his family there to support him, Louis began his long-term recovery at NCRH. He stated, “God, faith, saying the rosary every day, friends praying, and the caring staff was what influenced my recovery the most.”

Louis’s team of therapists encouraged him to achieve his recovery goals. “The staff was always so sincere, had a positive attitude, and were willing to help me anytime. The nurses are always here for me and always happy and sincere. The therapists are amazing and have a great sense of humor! Dr. Witek was great!”

Louis made great progress in his recovery and looks forward to returning home soon. He will continue his recovery with outpatient therapy at NCRH. Ready to get back to everyday life, he has plans to go camping in South Dakota this summer. 

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Butch Anderson

Butch built a life he loved but was met with complications after an elective spinal surgery that required continued care.

Butch Anderson has lived a fulfilling life, one he describes as fantastic! At 75-years-old, he lives in Brush, CO with his dog, Maggie, where he owns and operates a contract handyman business. In his spare time, Butch enjoys fishing, camping, and spending time with his son.

Recently, the life Butch built and came to love had to pause for elective spinal surgery. The surgery addressed his cervical myelopathy, or compression of the spinal cord in the neck. Unfortunately, Butch experienced complications post-surgery including acute hypoxic respiratory failure that required extended care.

Butch’s physician recommended Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital. He and his family did their research and spoke with a liaison from the hospital. When Butch learned that NCRH is ranked in the Top 10% of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, his decision was made.

“With that kind of award, you know you will be getting a great facility,” Butch stated.

When Butch first arrived at NCRH, he was anxious that his condition would not improve. “I came in wondering if I would ever return home, but NCRH helped me to really understand that I could!” He worked hard with his team of therapists and appreciated their support and dedication to his recovery.

“Speech therapy helped me so much and gave me wonderful resources and great education. Dr. Witek was great and came to visit me every day. I enjoyed his positive attitude.”

After a month at NCRH, Butch has made great progress. He explained, “I have not met anyone here that I don’t respect. Everyone goes above and beyond to help!” Excited to return home, Butch looks forward to picking up his old hobbies and can’t wait to be back with his beloved dog.

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Berniece Nadeau

Berniece regained her independence at NCRH after suffering from COVID-19.

Berniece Nadeau, 62, lives in Fort Morgan, Colorado with her husband and their two chihuahuas. She and her husband love spending time with their two children and four grandchildren. In her free time, she likes walking her dogs and camping in the beautiful mountains of Colorado. 

One day Berniece started experiencing symptoms including fever, chills, and respiratory issues. Her brother came over that day to visit and found her on the floor. He immediately called an ambulance and she was rushed to the hospital. There she was diagnosed with COVID-19, pneumonia, and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Unable to make the decision herself, Berniece’s family stepped in and chose to transfer her to Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital. Two of her family members were previous patients and knew NCLTAH would take good care of her. Sadie, Berniece’s daughter stated, “We chose the facility due to the success rate and how great we know it is! I also love that it has all the levels of care we need to get her home.”

While working through her recovery at NCLTAH, Berniece stated, “I really enjoy the two physicians, Dr. Pearson and Dr. Masotti. They are very competent and knowledgeable.” With their support, she was able to progress enough to be transferred to Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital.

Berniece started the inpatient therapy program with NCRH and was confident in the staff’s ability to get her back to better. “There are so many great PCT’s and nurses that were so encouraging and wonderful! The respiratory therapists were great and very knowledgeable. The staff kept me very motivated and were always so positive. The housekeeping staff and kitchen staff were amazing! They would always go out of their way to help me. I loved that they would all go the extra mile! Overall, it was a great experience!”

After nearly two months at NCLTAH and NCRH, Berniece discharged home, excited to return to her husband and her dogs. She will continue her recovery with outpatient therapy at NCRH. As an outpatient, Berniece will work on building her strength and endurance with physical and occupational therapy.

Berniece has specific goals as she continues to recover.  Before her hospitalization, Berniece was walking her dogs all the time. Her ultimate goal is to walk them again without needing an assistive device. She would also like to start volunteering with foster children in the future.

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Debbie Seader

After suffering a fall and contracting an infection, Debbie Seader needed rehabilitation before she could safely return home.

Married with two children and five grandchildren, Debbie Seader has always enjoyed taking care of her family. She stays busy with her hobbies like reading, traveling, and watching her favorite TV shows. Her faith is very important to her, so she also spends her time going to church and reading her bible.

Debbie’s life changed one December day after waking up in the middle of the night and falling. She was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with MSSA bacteremia tricuspid valve endocarditis. Because of continuing complications, her hospital stay was prolonged.

After a recommendation from the hospital, Debbie chose to be transferred to the Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital. She was impressed with the staff and appreciated their support.

“I love the positive attitudes of everyone at NCRH. They are all so friendly and kind! The therapists are always letting me know how well I am doing. The nurses and PCT’s are wonderful. They are always available to help and very kind. Dr. Arrogante and Dr. Asadi are very competent. They are always communicating with me every day.”

When Debbie first started her recovery, she could hardly lift her arms and now she is walking with a walker. “The therapists are providing me with various exercises that keep me working hard, it’s never boring and they are making sure I get to go home.”

Debbie looks forward to her home assessment and is planned to discharge at the end of the month. Excited to reunite with her family, Debbie’s ultimate goal is to walk without her walker and be able to do the stairs. 

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Norma Prince

Norma Prince chose the certified stroke program at NCRH for her post-stroke recovery

A full-time mechanical engineer, Norma Prince leads teams that design medical devices. The 57-year-old has always been very active. Norma has been married for 33 years and has a 25-year-old son. Beyond her family and work, Norma’s hobbies include reading, hiking, and biking.

One day at home, Norma began experiencing headaches, followed by weakness on her left side. Concerned, she sought medical evaluation. Tests provided a diagnosis. Norma suffered a right frontal-parietal intracranial hemorrhage, a type of brain bleed.

Once stabilized, Norma needed rehabilitation before she could safely return home. A friend who participated in outpatient therapy at Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital (NCRH) recommended the facility. Additionally, the stroke specialty program at NCRH is certified by The Joint Commission. Norma decided that NCRH was the right choice for the next stage of her recovery.

Norma’s experience at NCRH has been even better than she expected.

“The care has been excellent!” Norma shared. “They have the most updated rehab equipment, which has helped with my recovery. The food is exceptional!”

The staff at NCRH also stood out to Norma.

“Dr. Arrogante listens well and cares about my recovery. The physical and occupational therapists have been outstanding, and all have very positive attitudes. They are always cheering me on! Every one of the staff members has been great and really have genuinely taken an interest in my recovery. Even the cafeteria and housekeeping staff make you feel welcome and take an interest in your recovery. And since my mother was a PCT, I really appreciate everything the PCTs do here at NCRH. They are all very dedicated to their job.”

Norma looks forward to getting back to working and hiking. After discharging from NCRH, she returned for outpatient physical and occupational therapies. “I was able to walk with a walker after a short time thanks to the guidance and expertise of the inpatient physical and occupational therapists. I’m now working with the outpatient therapists to walk on my own. I highly recommend Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital for stroke recovery,” she shared with a smile.

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Richard Fitzsimons

After suffering a stroke, Richard Fitzsimons chose NCRH for their certified stroke program and top 10% ranking.

For seven years, Richard Fitzsimons has made the most of retirement. The free time has enabled him to enjoy his passion for working on cars and being part of the Flatlanders Car Club. Richard, 77, also loves spending time with his wife of 52 years and their dog. He finds joy in going out to dinner with his family and watching his favorite television show, Gunsmoke.

One late December day, Richard’s wife found him on the floor in their basement. He complained about weakness on his left side. The lifelong resident of Sterling was taken to the local acute care hospital. There, doctors diagnosed Richard with an acute ischemic MCA stroke with left hemiparesis.

Rehabilitation plays a critical role in post-stroke recovery. Richard’s wife works at a pharmacy in Sterling and spoke with nurses and physicians she knew. They recommended Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital for their certified stroke program and ranking among the top 10% of rehabilitation hospitals in the nation.

NCRH proved to be just what Richard needed. “Everyone’s positive attitude rubbed off on me,” he shared, becoming emotional as he reflected. “The attitude of everyone in the facility influenced my recovery.”

Richard specifically noted the impact of his physician, Dr. Witek stating, “Dr. Witek is great at managing my care and has a great bedside matter.”

As he approaches the end of his inpatient stay, Richard looks forward to what’s ahead. He is excited to get back to his car club, his wife, and his dog.

 

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Robert George

After suffering a stroke, Robert George chose the certified stroke program at Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital for his recovery

Robert George, 73, enjoys retired life in Loveland, CO. Robert spent his career teaching, in the air force, and as an electrical engineer. In retirement, he enjoys keeping active by swimming, bicycling, and doing yard work. He also enjoys building and flying model airplanes and is an amateur in astronomy. Robert has even built telescopes throughout the years. Volunteering at a hospital in the Loveland area is near to his heart. Robert is part of a group called SAINTS, which takes care of disabled patients.

At home one evening, Robert started experiencing dizziness, confusion, and left-sided weakness. He had suffered an acute ischemic cerebrovascular accident, also known as a CVA or stroke.

After his stroke, Robert was in need of rehabilitation. He chose Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital. Robert was familiar with NCRH, as both he and his spouse were prior patients. “The NCRH staff are well-qualified for stroke patients, and very friendly,” Robert noted. “They are Stroke Certified by The Joint Commission, which when you have a stroke is where you want to be.”

Throughout his stay, Robert’s experiences reinforced his decision to choose NCRH.

Robert found encouragement in his fellow patients. “I have met another stroke patient here, and this has been my greatest motivation,” Robert shared. “We have become friends and have learned how to get through this together!”

The staff at NCRH impressed Robert, as well. “The OT, PT and ST are integrated and all have the same goal of ensuring progress,” he said. “The whole organization works as a team and everyone helps each other. The medical staff is great at cheering me on and making sure I am on target to reach my goal of going home!”

As he worked in therapy, Robert’s motivation was getting back home. Having achieved that goal, Robert has set a new target: resuming his hobbies. “I came [to NCRH] and I couldn’t walk or speak. Now, I can speak and walk!”

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Jim McHugh

The rare combination of Parkinson’s disease and myasthenia gravis left Jim McHugh severely deconditioned and in need of rehabilitation.

Retired life was treating Jim McHugh quite well. The 79-year-old spent his working years in healthcare management and as a physical therapist. Jim lives in Loveland, CO with his wife and son. He has four children and ten grandchildren that he loves spending time with. His hobbies include reading books and riding bikes, especially his recumbent bike. Retirement has afforded Jim the time to enjoy the people and things he loves so much.

Unfortunately, Jim has also spent that time battling not one, but two neurological conditions. Jim lives with both Parkinson’s disease and myasthenia gravis, an incredibly rare combination. Over time, Jim developed severe, generalized deconditioning. The overwhelming weakness led him to a local acute care hospital. The hospital referred Jim for rehabilitation to help restore his strength and independence.

Jim chose Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital. A former patient, Jim was pleased with the care he received, and his outcomes. It was also a convenient choice. Jim lives just eight minutes from the hospital, making it easy for his wife to visit each day. Family support, led by Jim’s wife, had a big impact on his recovery. As did Jim’s background in rehabilitation. He understood the system well and was motivated to work hard.

“I was very impressed with the cohesiveness of the team,” Jim said when asked about his stay. “Everyone had excellent communication! The admissions office coordinated everything well for getting me into the facility. The way everyone worked together and the expertise of the therapists were the reasons we always chose to come back to NCRH. Everyone that works here loves their job. It really shows!”

One of the things Jim loved most about NCRH was the sendoff each patient receives from the staff.

“At the end of a patient’s stay, they do a standing ovation where all the staff applauds each patient as they leave the facility. This recognizes every patient individually and their success! This is such a delightful moment and I look forward to mine again Sunday!”

Sunday came and Jim discharged home with his wife. But Jim’s not done with NCRH. He chose to continue his recovery with the hospital’s outpatient program. Jim participated in the outpatient program before, with great satisfaction. “The therapists are great with getting involved with my care as an individual and really pushing me to meet my goals!”

Jim’s goals find their roots in his plans for the future. “I have a lot more to do in life and I know that success is solely about motivation and I have that! I owe it to my wife for all the motivation and love she has given to me!”

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