Kathy Janda started pulmonary rehabilitation in a motorized wheelchair. Now, she’s walking short distances and tackling household chores. She’s even able to fly to Florida without help — something she hasn’t done in eight years. Your generosity provided the specialized care and encouragement that fueled Kathy’s progress.

“My strength and stamina have grown by leaps and bounds,” she says. “The newfound confidence has been a life changer.”

Through individually monitored exercise, education and compassionate support, Kathy has made remarkable gains. After her first 10-week walk test, her numbers improved by 40 percent. Her pulmonary function test increased by 2 percent. She knows she will never be completely free of her condition, but rehabilitation has helped her do more than she could before.

Kathy credits the rehab staff for helping her regain confidence. The caring atmosphere has also made a lasting impression. Kathy says former patients often return after completing rehab. They simply want to check in with the team and give them a hug. Those are the kinds of relationships that are built through the program you support with your gift.

“Their dedication and guidance have given me a new lease on life.”

For Kathy, pulmonary rehabilitation has provided more than physical improvement. It gave her confidence and independence. You helped her to embrace experiences she once thought out of reach.

“I couldn’t have come this far without the rehab staff,” she says. “They are truly unsung heroes.”