TMC PULSE

t m c » p u l s e | j u ly 2 0 1 4 15 Rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann focuses on the whole community— we don't consider it a success until patients are re-engaged into any part of life that gives meaning to them. — CARL JOSEHART Chief Executive Officer of TIRR Memorial Hermann reminder of the transfer of knowledge from the lab to the bedside and back to the lab for further refinement." Expanding upon that translation, TIRR Memorial Hermann is currently growing their robotics and adaptive technology programs. "There's also this incredible sense of creativity and ingenuity in our staff here," added Josehart. "Just because there isn't a preexisting product out there, that doesn't slow anybody down here. I find people making things all the time—give them a roll of duct tape and a broom handle and they'll invent it. They have an incredible desire to continue to push the envelope." Amber Armstead, an occupational therapist at TIRR Memorial Hermann Outpatient Rehabilitation at the Kirby Glen Center who specializes in adaptive equipment and technology as well as spi- nal cord injury, was involved in the Berry boys' rehabilitation. "With spinal cord patients, sometimes they'll be defeated initially because they're still grieving for their loss," she reflected. "But by the time that they leave here, they realize that they can do literally everything else in their life, except walk, and that's huge. If the technology ever catches up to them, they'll be able to walk, too." Espousing a philosophy that focuses on the entire person, rather than just the physical recovery itself, Josehart is convinced that rehabilitation should be involved in breaking down barriers, and preventing a disability from interfer- ing with quality of life. "Rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann focuses on the whole community—we don't consider it a success until patients are re-engaged into any part of life that gives meaning to them," he said. "Whether that's going to school, or back to work, or being involved in sports, arts or their faith community, we want them to be able to embrace everything." In conjunction with organizations across Houston, programs at TIRR Memorial Hermann involve everything from a partnership with United Airlines that teaches patients how to feel comfort- able navigating through the airport, to a relationship with a restaurant in the medical center that helps individ- uals feel comfortable at a fine dining establishment. Regaining some semblance of normalcy after a debilitating illness or injury is no easy task. For Peter and Aaron, that uphill battle was com- pounded by the tragedy that upended their lives three years ago, when their family vehicle was struck head-on while returning from a summer vacation in Colorado. Josh and Robin Berry, the children's parents and pillars in Houston's Jewish community, were killed, while Peter and Aaron were left paralyzed from the waist down after sustaining serious spinal cord injuries. Their younger sister, Willa, suffered broken bones that have since healed. After receiving initial treatment at Covenant Health System's Women's and Children's Hospital in Lubbock, the boys were transferred to Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital where they were under the care of the pedi- atric trauma team for several weeks. Following one last transfer to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago, the boys finally settled into a new rou- tine of rehabilitation and recovery at TIRR Memorial Hermann Outpatient Rehabilitation. Embedding a holistic approach towards recovery into their rehabilitation process that encom- passes everything from Hotwheels to physical and occupational therapy, TIRR Memorial Hermann provided a foundation of support that has helped the Berry boys to thrive three years after the accident. "The continued presence in their lives, from TIRR Memorial Hermann, has had such a profound impact," said Simone Berry. "They're doing really well—they're doing great. They're living normal lives and participating in the same activities as any other children in their age group. I truly believe that these children embrace life." She has been integral in forming a solid family unit in the wake of their tragedy, helping the children continue to make great strides. "I admire the Berrys so much, not only for their courage, but for the strength required to share their story with the public," Josehart said. "Through their ability to do that, they can provide hope for families who are facing similar situations. These stories happen every single day, 365 days a year. One of our patients' biggest fears is that others will give up or stop trying. At a juncture when many families feel that they might want to be private, something that we can all respect, the act of sharing their story was truly inspirational." TOP: TIRR Memorial Hermann has a dedicated international program that works with diverse patient backgrounds and nationalities that can accommodate a variety of dietary, language and religious needs. LOWER LEFT: Personalized treatment helps patients optimize balance, mobility, endurance and more. LOWER RIGHT: Bodyweight supported treadmill system that has seats for the therapist. The treadmill is used in conjunction with activity-based therapy and locomotor training for gait. (Credit: TIRR Memorial Hermann)

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