Ruth Meador was told to begin planning her husband’s funeral in December 2015. Rob, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, experienced complications leading to right side heart failure. The 56-year-old field engineer had never had a single health issue in his life. Doctors administered aggressive clot-busting drugs that tackled Rob’s blockage. Days later, he experienced bleeding on his brain and a stroke. Rob was in a coma for three weeks at Bryan Medical Center before admitting to Madonna. “He was on a ventilator, unable to communicate or move his body,” said Colleen Sankey, occupational therapist.
During his four-month rehabilitation, Rob moved through the entire continuum of care. Regaining his mobility was a slow process. Rob logged miles on the Lokomat, a robotic treadmill that helped strengthen his legs and refine his gait. When Rob graduated to a walker and took his first, tentative steps, his therapists broke into applause. With Ruth by his side, Rob hit milestone after milestone and refused to give up. Today, Rob is completely independent and proof that hard work pays off. He’s quick to credit his nursing and therapy teams for their constant encouragement. “I like to think I’m Madonna strong,” said Rob.
