Harry Knobbe 2020
Harry Knobbe has always been someone who would do anything for others. On April 17th, 2019, Harry was with his team from Knobbe Feedlot, loading haybales for those impacted by the flood. On the last load, a bale fell off an hit Harry in the back. “It didn’t really hurt, but my back was really hot,” he recalls. The West Point Rescue Squad was called and brought Harry to the emergency room. He was transferred to Omaha by helicopter.
The medical team told Harry that he was paralyzed, and they were unsure if he would ever walk again. That’s when he decided, “I wanted to prove them all wrong!” He made a goal of returning “home” for swingbed at Franciscan Healthcare by June 1st. Once arrived to swingbed, Harry recalls feeling a mix of relief and anticipation about the rehabilitation process. “I remember doing some upper body work with occupational therapy for an hour in the morning, doing some farm business while in the standing frame, and then an hour of physical therapy! And just like the farm, we broke for lunch and did it all over again!”
Harry, and his wife, made the goal of returning to their home the week of July 4th, 2019. The therapy team worked closely with Harry’s family, as well as local contractors, to ensure his home would be remodeled for his new functional level. There were plans made for every part of his day, including showers, driving, and accessing his office. There was a lift for him to get onto the mower and a sling to help get him into the tractor. “Mowing the ditches was a big goal of mine, so it was very exciting when I could do that,” said Harry.
Harry chose to continue outpatient therapy, even when the team thought he could complete the exercises at home! He can now walk up and down the steps. He started with only walking 10 feet, and the other day he hit just over 400 feet!
He credits the rehabilitation department for much of his success. He said, “it would be impossible without the therapists’ inspiration and cues. The environment is like no other, makes you want to be here, and I love that!”
Franciscan Healthcare is so proud of everything Harry has accomplished and we appreciate everything he and his family have done for our rehabilitation department!
