Success Story - Rosemerry Aviles Leandry

In Her Words...

“In October 2022, I was in an almost fatal car accident. As a result, I have a spinal injury, C4-C4 fusion of the neck vertebrae, right hand fracture, and was on a ventilator for about a month and a half. I was not able to walk or stand. I was not able to speak. I did not have memory of things. I also had trouble swallowing food and drinking."

"After two months, I was medically stable enough and was transferred to an acute rehab unit where I started intensive physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Thankfully, I was able to improve my speech, memory, and was able to stand up and take a few steps. I was blessed to have such a great team of doctors, RNs, PCAs, and therapists. They were very understanding, helpful, and always motivated me to keep pushing forward."

The Full Story

Rosemerry was admitted to Reading Hospital after a very serious motor vehicle accident in which she sustained both a spinal cord injury and a traumatic brain injury. While in acute care, Rosemerry underwent a spinal fusion due to an unstable fracture, a tracheostomy and feeding tube placement, as well as internal fixator placement within her right wrist. 

After a prolonged acute care stay, Rosemerry was transferred to the acute rehab unit for comprehensive skilled rehabilitation. Upon initial evaluation, Rosemerry required a modified diet due to swallowing difficulties and required dependent level assistance of 1-2 staff members for all mobility and self-care tasks. Rosemerry had a lot of difficulty recognizing where her body was in space and lacked coordination due to her spinal cord injury.

After working with the care team for one month, Rosemerry discharged from the acute rehab unit walking independently with a quad cane, completing all self-care tasks without physical assistance, and was eating a regular diet. Her tracheostomy and feeding tubes were removed.

We are so proud of Rosemerry, who overcame many obstacles and worked hard on her road to recovery!