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2009 Archive

12.21.2009

His Dream Day

12/28/2009

"Charlie is one of our patients at FH Sports Medicine and Rehab in Orlando. He suffered a cerebellar CVA in October and has been coming to rehab since June. He uses an electric wheelchair and has to communicate his needs through an electronic device. As you might imagine, Charlie’s family struggles financially so they live with his parents in Titusville. They frequently make the long drive to our center at Lee Road and Adanson. Because of his challenges with communication and mobility, it will be hard for Charlie to ever return to full-time employment.

One afternoon in therapy, Charlie's speech therapist asked him what he would do if he could choose the "perfect day." He typed in his device that he had not been to Disney for years and would like to spend the day there with his wife and daughters. When he finished typing, he sat and cried. This dream would never come true for Charlie; he knew it was just too expensive.

Our therapist shared Charlie's dream with our staff. Everyone got involved raising money to surprise him with his “dream day.” Funds were raised to buy Disney tickets for the family. There was enough leftover to give them spending money and a massage for Charlie’s wife.

This week when Charlie and his wife entered the door, the team greeted them with the singing of Christmas carols. When Charlie heard about the gifts, he cried and cried with joy.

The department felt it was a true Christmas blessing for us to be able to help Charlie experience his special 'dream day.'"