Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Jackie - A REAL Client

“The doctor wanted to amputate” Jackie states with closed eyes, nodding her head in disbelief. In August, 2008, Jackie’s life changed instantly when she was in a serious car accident which crushed her right ankle. “A young man, coming from the opposite direction didn't yield the right of way and he plowed right into me” she explains. Ten surgeries, six months of therapy, and 58 additional specialty treatments later, Jackie is miraculously able to walk again. 

64 year old Jackie loves to cook. “I was a cook at the Marriott for 20 years” she says with a proud smile on her face. With countless hours of experience working the kitchen, the restaurant, and the breakfast buffet, Jackie knew how to please guests’ taste buds. “I celebrated 20 years at the Marriott June 25, 2008, and then an awful car accident happened August 5 of 2008.” Jackie was forced to leave her beloved cooking career at the Marriott due to the results of the car crash.

After a long process of ten surgeries on her ankle, Jackie had to endure six months of therapy to learn how to walk again. Once she finally returned home, she soon developed MRSA in her wounded leg. Her doctor advised treatments of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to cure the MRSA and allow her leg to fully heal. Jackie needed to get to the wound center every day for 58 days in order for her therapy to be effective. She did not have a car after the accident, let alone was even able to drive. That is when Jackie’s home nurse suggested REAL Services transportation services. REAL Services provided transportation to Jackie’s appointment every day. “My leg is healed because of everyday transportation” Jackie confirms. Jackie now receives transportation from REAL Services every three months for checkups with her doctor. 

As well as the transportation services, Jackie began receiving Meals on Wheels meals about a year ago. “That was such a treat!” Jackie proclaims. Receiving home-cooked, healthy meals takes a lot of pressure off of Jackie trying to find rides to the grocery store. “I feel like baking them [Meals on Wheels employees] 10,000 chocolate chip cookies and taking them up there to show them how much I appreciate it.”

The interview comes to a close with a thought on how Jackie’s life would be different if REAL Services was not a part of it. “I’m healthier” Jackie explains. “And I feel secure in knowing that when I have a new appointment, that I can have a way there. And to know that there are responsible people driving. They’re very good drivers.” Another smile stretches across Jackie’s face. “There are so many people who depend on REAL Services’ services, that it’s [much] needed and very appreciated. The families of the clients can rest at ease [knowing] that there is an organization that cares and gives their all to help someone with transportation or meals.”

Even though Jackie’s story is one that is difficult to fathom, her animated and warm personality makes it easy to discuss. Despite all her struggles and difficulties, Jackie is a positive and very optimistic woman. She cannot express enough how thankful she is for REAL Services. With great appreciation, Jackie expresses, “just make sure you put in there that I’m so thankful for them [REAL Services]. That’s my main bottom line. So thankful for them being how they are.”

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