Patient Testimonials
Hector Padilla, 36 years old, CVA Patient
February 13, 2024 started out as a normal workday for agricultural accountant Hector Padilla. At 3:00 pm Hector felt like his foot had fallen asleep, not thinking much of it, he wiggled his foot and kept typing. As time went on, Hector started to notice that his arm was also going numb and that he was having difficulty typing. Concerned, Hector drove himself to the ER and did not return home again until almost a month later. Hector had suffered a severe stroke leaving him unable to use one side of his body. After being in the acute hospital for a week, Hector was transfers to Kaweah Health Rehabilitation where he began his journey to recovery. With the help of his therapy team, Hector worked diligently to regain control of body. By the time he left rehab, Hector was able to walk around his home with a walker and complete his daily activities with the help of his mom and brother. As of today, Hector has returned back to work, attended a baseball game in San Francisco, and has plans to travel to Japan. Hector says that he still has days where things are difficult, but as an active member of the Kaweah Health Stroke Support Group, Hector knows the importance of keeping busy and having a positive attitude. Congratulations Hector! We are so proud of your success!
Miguel Mendez, 72 years old, Cardiac Arrest Patient
In January of 2022, Miguel’s family found him unresponsive at home. Miguel was quickly rushed to the Kaweah Health Emergency Room where he was treated for cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. Miguel was intubated and spent the next four months in the ICU on life support. Miguel’s family never lost hope though. They knew that due to his strength of will and zest for life that Miguel would never give up fighting to return home. Once medically stable, Miguel was transferred to the Kaweah Health Sub-Acute Facility. With the help of the Sub-Acute team, Miguel was extubated and finally able to transfer to Kaweah Health Rehabilitation Hospital to begin the long journey of physical recovery. Though it was hard work, Miguel is grateful for the attention provided and the positive environment created by the Rehab Team. They encouraged him to laugh and dance his way through every session. Today Miguel is proud of his progress. He is able to take walks in the community with his wife and hopes to one day to visit his family and home in Jalisco, Mexico. Congratulations Miguel! We are proud of your success!
Jeff Bottoms, 67 years old, CVA Patient
In December of 2024, long haul truck driver, Jeff Bottoms, went home sick from work, thinking he had a cold. Jeff’s symptoms continued to worsen over the next couple of weeks resulting in multiple hospital stays, pneumonia, and ultimately a stroke that left him weak and ataxic. With the help and support of his wife Kelly, Jeff transferred to the Kaweah Health Rehabilitation Hospital on January 26, 2025 ready to begin his road to recovery. Throughout his recovery, Jeff used his humor and positive attitude to inspire other patients and staff. Jeff’s daily tenacity for his rehabilitation facilitated his progress and ultimately resulted in him walking with a walker out of the hospital, ready to return home. After discharge, Jeff continued his therapy and was able to return to cooking, driving, and taking trips with his family. Today Jeff is an active member of our Peer Support Program and continues to share his humor and encouragement with patients and staff.
Cheryl Simoes, 63 years old, Non-Traumatic SCI Patient
Cheryl has always been active and independent. Amongst many other activities, Cheryl loves cooking and spending time with her family. In early 2023, Cheryl began to experience significant pain and weakness in her legs affecting her ability to function and move. Cheryl eventually lost her ability to walk and became reliant on a wheelchair. After an initial spinal surgery, Cheryl did not see improvement in her mobility. This led to additional testing where they discovered that Cheryl had a tumor in her thoracic spine. After her second surgery, Cheryl was admitted to Kaweah Health Rehabilitation Hospital for intensive therapy and medical management. Cheryl states that the entire team at Kaweah Health created a positive and encouraging environment that helped her find her will and kept her motivated through her darkest days. The day that she took her first steps with a walker, was a day filled with hope and confidence that she would continue to improve. Cheryl’s strength and perseverance facilitated her progression from the wheelchair to the walker and home. Since her discharge, Cheryl continues to be active in her therapy and has returned to cooking and caring for her family. She is proud to say that she has traveled to Utah to visit her grandkids and plans to return to hiking with her husband. Congratulations Cheryl! Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey!
Robert Pacillas, 75 years old, CVA Patient
Robert Pacillas loves to be active. Whether it is spending time with his family, riding his bike, or working out at gym, he is constantly in motion. On Saturday February 24, 2024, Robert started to feel dizzy while exercising at his local gym. Having interacted with Robert before, two other Life Style members noticed Robert struggling and recognized that Robert was exhibiting signs of a stroke. Due to their quick action, Robert was transported by ambulance to the Kaweah Health Emergency Department and then to Keck Hospital by helicopter for treatment of a developing aneurysm. Robert came to Kaweah Health Rehabilitation Hospital in April unable to walk, stand, or even sit by himself. The therapy team at Kaweah Rehabilitation worked diligently with Robert to help him regain control of his body. Utilizing the expertise of the Rehab team and the advanced technologies available in the therapy gym, Robert regained his ability to complete his daily activities, walk short distances, and communicate with his wife prior to returning home. Robert continues to live an active lifestyle, going to the movies and running errands with his wife. He hopes to one day return back to his work outs at the gym and eventually take a trip back to his favorite city New York to see a Yankee game. Robert you continue to impress us everyday!