Dawnelle Neighbors of Newburgh had a miraculous recovery from a massive hemorrhagic stroke that she suffered on March 3, 2020, while working at the Wellness Center at Epworth Crossing. Up until that moment, she had no signs of illness.
She was treated for four days at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville ICU, then the Neurological Unit before moving to Ascension St. Vincent Evansville’s Rehabilitation Institute, located on campus.
Due to COVID-19 visitor restrictions, Dawnelle’s long road to recovery was done without her family by her side. Because of this, she relied heavily on the caring staff.
“For her impairments, and the size of her stroke and what she looked like coming in, I don’t think anybody, including myself, expected her to walk out by herself,†Physical Therapist, Hannah Lamar, said.
Dawnelle had six rehab sessions per day. Her spirit, hard work and determination to get better was something that was unbelievable. Her doctors said that her desire to go home kept her going strong with occupational, speech and physical therapy.
“The doctors, nurses, therapists and the entire hospital were absolutely remarkable,†stated her husband, Herb Neighbors.
After 66 days at Ascension St Vincent Evansville under nursing care, Dawnelle walked out of
Ascension St. Vincent Evansville. She is continuing home therapy three days a week and is improving daily with walks up and down her street without a cane.
“I am amazing and praise God every day!†exclaimed Dawnelle. She also looks forward to returning to work and helping others in recovery in a support group.