Vernelle Nelson 2015
Vernelle had but one wish on her Christmas list in 2014 – to be home for Christmas! It was November 10, 2014, when Vernelle noticed something just wasn’t quite right. That morning, she was having coffee with her husband Harley, when she had trouble getting up from her chair and walking. It only seemed to worsen so Harley brought her to the emergency room in West Point with left-sided weakness. Vernelle was able to walk to the car with the assistance of her husband but now, she was unable to stand up or even move her left arm. Vernelle required Physical, Occupational, & Speech therapy to assist her in her road to recovery following the confirmation of a stroke. With the help of therapists by her side and initially a brace for her leg, Vernelle was standing and not long after, walking with a variety of assistive devices. Harley was also working hard while his wife did the same in therapy. He built a ramp and added additional safety features in their house to assure Vernelle would be safe when she was able to return home. While at the hospital, Vernelle had a swallow study completed and received Speech Therapy to strengthen her swallow. Occupational therapy completed a Home Safety Assessment and help Vernelle regain her strength and balance to walk independently. Vernelle had a personal goal that kept her motivated throughout her hospital stay…make it to church for Christmas Eve service! Her wish came true and she was able to go home on December 23, 2015, in time to watch the beautiful snowfall and have a cozy seat next to her husband at church on Christmas Eve. “You have to work at it, you’ll get better; you have to keep the hope,” states Vernelle. She and Harley made it through this obstacle together, and they continue to serve as an inspiration to others.
