improves his core strength, which helps his breathing, which in turn helps the work he does with Holly to advance his speech production. “Sometimes we can’t work without each other,” said Holly. The reality is John is still in the early stages of his rehabilitation journey, but Rich, Ty and Holly have a plan and an expectation to get him to where he wants to be. “One of his big goals is standing and cooking,” said Ty. “So he is working to have the ability to stand and safely cut. We focus on the bigger picture versus just strength.” Even more than that, John feels confident in his care team and their unwavering support. “It makes all the difference to have providers with good bedside manner,” he said. “They really want to get to know me.” At the end of one physical therapy appointment, the couple continued to chat with Rich and Ty, joking about John’s honey-do list from Julie and his excitement about adopting two new kittens. “One of the best parts about this job is how well we get to know our patients,” said Ty. “We get to celebrate the little wins between the big wins with our patients, like transitioning from a walker to trekking poles or from two trekking poles to one.” Hearing Ty and Rich talk about John’s future gives the couple hope. Hope they did not have in fall 2022. Julie would have told you she had unknowingly spent her final annual spaghetti night with her longtime love, but if things keep progressing at this rate, John will be standing and cooking in the kitchen when it is time to celebrate again. Comprehensive care Meet the team who cared for John and learn more about Kootenai Health Rehabilitation Services at KH.org/rehabilitation-services. Kootenai Health Rehab Services is the only clinic in northern Idaho to have physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy under one roof. From left, Rich Mehlbrech, physical therapist; John Kuhlman, patient; and Holly Alling, speech therapist. KH.ORG 19
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