Wall of Fame

Not everyone can handle tough news! Shennon Burgher has proven that tough news is tough, but she is tougher! It all started when Shennon began to notice sores on her feet. She had a diagnosis of diabetes and vascular disease which complicated these sores. The sores were infected, and despite best effort, required a toe amputation. Slow healing was a complicating factor, which ultimately forced a below-knee amputation in July of 2016. Shennon was upset but knew this was only the beginning of the rest of her life.

Shennon thought “I don’t want to be limited and there is no reason why I should be.” She began the process of obtaining a prosthetic. This was a long road for Shennon and she had her fair share of good days and bad days. “People here at St. Francis Memorial-Wimmer Rehabilitation could tell when I was down in the dumps or having a bad day. They listened to me and then made me laugh. They were always encouraging.” She also noted that her children were especially supportive and helpful during the process. “When they thought I was doing too much, they would try to hide my walker. I would just crawl if I wanted it!” When the prosthetic was fit and finally ready to go, Shennon could hardly wait! “It was awesome to walk again,” she stated. She was constantly reminded “don’t give up” and to take it at her own pace. She recalled a few highlights in therapy, including being able to walk and carry things at the same time. Small things most people take for granted became huge milestones. She was able to drive, hold a baby and walk around, and walk outside to feed her family’s dogs without difficulty. Shennon never gave up and continued to push herself back into her active lifestyle as a wife, mom, and community member. St. Francis Memorial- Wimmer Rehabilitation knows she will continue to work hard and make the most of her “new normal!”