Prior to her arrival at GHRC Connie Davis was experiencing frequent falls. She said, “One morning I fell down next to my bed in the dark and hit my head. I got a small cut on my forehead, which turned into a huge knot and a black eye. My son-in-law, Bill, called 911. He knew something was seriously wrong with me since my balance was off and I had a high fever.”

She was admitted to Fauquier Hospital. At the time of discharge, after four days in the hospital, the doctors recommended that she go to rehab to rebuild her diminished strength and balance. She chose Gainesville Health and Rehab Center because it was convenient to her daughter, Lynn’s, home in Haymarket.

In the beginning she wanted to be left alone, but the therapists were patient but persistent. They started out slowly, encouraging her all the time, and gradually increasing the intensity of the workout. She recalled, “I saw results each day, as I got stronger, and I was motivated to work harder. All of the therapists have been wonderful to work with! They are great people, well-trained, and very, very patient. They helped me so much! I have gotten my strength and balance back. I can now dress myself, shower by myself, and walk by myself with the use of a walker.”

Occupational Therapist, Jessica Hsu, commented, “Ms. Davis’ balance and safety awareness are much improved. She has been very cooperative, outgoing, and easy to work with. She is going home completely independent again.”

Ash Sefain, PTA, added, “Ms. Davis has been very pleasant and cooperative in physical therapy. Her motivation to go home has been the reason she accepted the challenges of physical therapy and has met her functional goals.”

Connie is very anxious to go back home where she lives with her younger daughter, Julie, and her family in Midland, Virginia. She is looking forward to regaining her independence and maintaining her new exercise regime. This fall Connie is planning to get an apartment in Reston with her older daughter, Lynn.

Originally from a small town not far from Virginia Beach, called Onancock, Connie survived Whooping Cough at the age of six weeks. She has been a fighter ever since.

Married at the age of 23, she raised two daughters with her husband, Bob. They lived in Clinton, Maryland, for a time and then Chantilly, Virginia, where they lived for over 30 years. Connie worked for 23 years as a payroll administrator for Faraday National in Chantilly. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2001 after 37 years of marriage.

After high school graduation Julie became a beautician. She is married with three children, Stephanie, Courtney, and Presley, and is living in Midland. Lynn is single and works in banking in Reston, Virginia.

A lifetime Methodist, Connie belongs to Warrenton United Methodist Church in Warrenton, where she has been an active member for the past two years. She says, “I use the Upper Room to study the Bible every morning. My faith has helped me through this rehab. I know that God is with me every day.”

She highly recommends GHRC for rehab. She said, “Not only did I make huge progress in therapy, but I made a new friend and had a lot of laughs. My first roommate, Carolyn, and I went to play bingo together. We had a great time getting to know each other. We enjoyed the activities very much! This is a wonderful rehab center!”

The GHRC staff is proud of Connie for her strength and determination to “Get Well and Go Home!”

By Lynnette Esse, AD