Brenda Schram came to Whittier to recover from an amputation. While her decision was based on Whittier’s reputation, she said that the presence of Hunter, our therapy dog in training, ‘sealed the deal’ for her. Here she shares her story.
What good things did you hear about Whittier, and from whom? “My dad was a patient at one time, and it seems every other person I’ve mentioned Whittier to has either been a patient themselves or knows someone who has spent time here. Always a good word! (nothing negative about it).”
Why was the presence of our therapy dog, Hunter, so important to you? “I’m an ‘animals before people’ type of person. Before coming here I didn’t even know about Hunter. When my spot here was set in stone, I decided to look for a page on facebook. I found it quickly and started scrolling through, and came upon the posts with the pictures of Hunter in his Christmas sweater and with antlers. I can’t describe the feeling I had: excitement? The combination of dogs and support/therapy always just made sense to me. I just felt like I had a mission to meet him. I feel like we have something in common: we both like to help others, to be there for them, to let them know they’re not alone and reassure them we CARE.”
Do you want to share what you came to Whittier to recover from / what physical challenges you faced? “I went through a very quick infection that led to the amputation of my left leg (below the knee). I’m not exaggerating about the quick part (it went from ER to amputation in 1 day.) I’m here learning how to function all over again in every aspect of my life.”
Do you want to share your experience in physical/occupational therapy at Whittier / thoughts on your care team? “I’ve never experienced the kind of support and encouragement I receive here at Whittier. Even in those moments when I felt like I just didn’t do well enough, I was always told I worked hard and did a great job. There have even been moments when I almost couldn’t do those last few moves in the gym and everyone — therapist and patient alike, started rooting for me, cheering me on. Such an amazing feeling to have so many people on my side.”.
How was it meeting with Hunter? “When I saw him, I was over the moon. He’s so much more than I had imagined… soft, sweet, gentle… just EVERYTHING!”
What are your plans after your discharge from Whittier? “I will be at home. My husband went above and beyond to prepare our home for when I return. In such a short time, he’s prepared it in ways I couldn’t even imagine, making it accessible and safe for me. I’ll just be figuring everything out.”
Do you have tips, advice or encouragement for others who need similar physical recovery? “It all starts with your ATTITUDE. I’m not a happy-go-lucky, sunshiny person by nature. I’m not all gloom and doom either, but I’m realistic about things and definitely an overthinker; but for some reason I chose to be POSITIVE about this. If I didn’t, I would just fall apart. Sure, the “saddies” sneak in every now and again (usually first thing in the morning), but being grateful I’m alive, having the motivation to move and care about myself has been so helpful. The therapies I’ve been doing, working out and learning to navigate different areas (in a simulated home environment) have helped me so much. No matter how tired I get, I always look forward to all of it. It makes me feel so GOOD about myself, and PROUD of my accomplishments (no matter how big or small). Take it all one step (or in my case HOP) at a time!”
Brenda, thank you so much for taking the time to tell your story. We are proud of your accomplishments in your physical recovery and we are also proud of our boy Hunter for being there to provide some comfort to you during your stay at Whittier. We wish you all the best as you return home!
Photos: At top, Brenda poses with Hunter and Melissa Bisiccia, Administrative Assistant (at right). Hunter and Brenda, from a photo Brenda posted on our facebook page. Hunter is our therapy dog in training. Since he was 6 months old, he’s been making the rounds in both the inpatient and outpatient departments at Whittier every Tuesday. He comes by the office, and visits patients – also upon request!
