Connie Davenport of Homets Ferry is a walking miracle. She is a delightful woman of poise and character. She has a delightful laugh, a great sense of humor and an infectious smile.

Pictured from left, Mary Donahue, physical therapist assistant; Ronald and Connie Davenport; Karla Green, occupational therapist; and Stacy Griffiths, speech therapist.

Connie has had many obstacles to overcome. Fifteen years ago, she was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. Doctors said the outlook was very grim. In fact, they predicted the worse, only two weeks to one month to live.

Connie beat the odds then and recovered. Connie is beating the odds again now. On August 29th, 2005 Connie had a heart attack. Two days later, Connie experienced two strokes. The effect of the strokes was devastating. Her right side was virtually paralyzed. She had lost her ability to speak or understand speech.

Life as she and her husband had known it changed completely. She was not able to walk, express herself to her family or take care of herself independently. Connie was unable to engage in the very activities she loved; cooking, gardening, and ministry. "Through it all, God's timing was perfect," says Ronald Davenport, Connie's adoring husband. "I just retired from my job the very day Connie got sick. I could not have handled everything without the Lord," he says.

That was the beginning of a long road to recovery. After a seven-day stay in the hospital, Connie was admitted to Memorial Hospital's Skilled Nursing Unit where she received around-the-clock care including intensive therapy. Three hours each day were dedicated to Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. Each day Connie's family could see improvement. "She's a tough cookie," says Ronald. "She was, and continues to be, very determined to get better."

Karla Green, occupational therapist, treats Connie's hand to promote flexibility and to restore function.

Connie's family has been very supportive every step of the way. All seven of her children, Christine, Rhonda, Amber, Franklin, William, Ronnie and Daniel have been involved in her recovery. Connie's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have given her a lot to smile about. Connie and her husband continue to lead a full and happy life.

On November 4, 2005, Connie graduated from the Skilled Nursing Unit and returned home where her husband and family continued to care for her and encourage her daily. ConnieÕs therapy continued to care for her and encourage her daily. Connie's therapy continued at Memorial Hospital's Outpatient Therapy Clinic. Connie continued to receive Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy services three times per week.

Physical Therapy is helping Connie gain strength, balance, coordination, and promote muscle control in her right leg. She also works on core strengthening to facilitate independence in all aspects of her life. Connie works on transferring independently as well as using steps independently. She advanced from a wheelchair to being able to walk independently.

Occupational Therapy focuses on Connie's ability to perform activities of daily living independently as well as restore muscle control in her right arm. Connie has regained some movement in her right arm, but it is still compromised. Connie has learned to do many things with the function she does have and she has learned ways to normalize the tone in her arm to allow movement that is more functional.

Stacy Griffiths, speech therapist, spends time with Connie to encourage her to develop and improve her speech and memory skills.

Speech therapy provides the opportunity for Connie to work on her communication skills. As a result of the strokes, she often struggles to find appropriate words when communicating thoughts and feelings. This takes an amazing amount of determination and concentration. Connie is very driven to be successful in therapy and in all aspects of life.

"Everyone at Memorial Hospital is wonderful," says Ronald. "The people there have taught me so much Ð how I can help my wife Ð to help her recover," he says.

"I remember how Virginia Vanderpool, Occupational Therapist Assistant, would be so patient and kind to my wife. Her eyes showed me that her care and concern came straight from the heart. WeÕve come to know some really wonderful people," says Ronald.

"Karla Green, Occupational Therapist, has a way to encourage Connie like no other," he says. "Karla teaches Connie to be more independent. She gently exercises her arm and fingers and Connie responds positively," he says.

Mary Donahue, physical therapist assistant, assists Connie as she performs an exercise to strengthen her legs.

"Mary Donahue, Physical Therapist Assistant, is a perfect fit for Connie," says Ronald. "She is skillful at energizing Connie to exercise and walk independently. She has a wonderful balance between praise and expectation," he says.

Then there is Stacy Griffiths, Speech Therapist. "Stacy has a way of connecting with Connie. She tells her she's doing great. She has helped Connie become more confident in her language skills. She's taught us how to practice at home," he says.

Connie's determination, along with the unending support of her husband, family and therapists has paid off. She's getting stronger and more independent each day. She has goals. Connie wants to get outside this spring to garden and landscape. She wants to cook and clean. She would like to return to her responsibilities at the Kingdom Hall where she is involved in the ministry.

Until then, she continues to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She keeps in touch with family and friends via email. In May, Connie and Ronald are embarking on a Caribbean Cruise.

She has beaten the odds. She is not a quitter. She is a very strong-hearted person. She and her husband have not let this stop them from enjoying their lives. Today she is beautiful. Her sparkling blue eyes are highlighted with the right amount of makeup. Her smile is accentuated by carefully applied lipstick. Her clothing is well coordinated and she is wearing matching accessories. "And she did it all herself!" says Ronald proudly.

Connie smiles, she knows life is good.

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Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Speech Therapy

Sensory Integration Therapy

Urinary Incontinence Therapy

Massage Therapy

Pediatric Therapy

Spine Therapy