Therapy staff arranges concert ticket for stroke victim

Air Force Veteran Eugene Moore has been a therapy patient at Northern Indiana VA since 2004. His physical and occupational therapist described him as the “model patient.”

Moore served in first Gulf War as a Fabrication and Parachute Specialist from 1985-1993. At 31, he suffered a spinal cord injury during a softball game at Little Rock Air Force Base that ended his Air Force career.

Moore also suffered from a stroke in 2019. That’s when he lost the ability to walk and the use of his left arm. After his stroke, Moore spent nine months in a nursing home where he worked hard to get his strength back. “I was told I have every right to be bitter and angry, but I choose to be positive and work hard,” he said.

Moore’s VA therapy staff said he always comes to therapy ready to give his best effort to achieve his therapy goals. It was during one of his visits that staff discovered Moore had only been out of the house three or four times since 2019.

Friends donated concert tickets

“We had been talking about opportunities to get him out into the community. We knew he liked music and that he would enjoy a concert,” said Angela Reimer, occupational therapist.

Reimer and Jodi Van Veld, Moore’s occupational therapists, set their plan into motion when they saw an advertisement that the Commodores were coming to town. The local venue happily donated VIP Commodores tickets to Moore.

“The next thing to address was getting him transported. I wanted him to be in his power chair that gives him more independence and comfort. We decided to rent a wheelchair accessible van, and I am so thankful we did,” said Reimer.

The staff picked up Moore and took him to dinner before the concert. Moore and the staff enjoyed a night of entertainment and each other’s company. Several other therapists attended the outing, making the night extra special for Moore.

“One of the best forms of therapy we could have provided.”

“I’ve never been treated so well. It felt so good to get out in society, and I will never forget this night,” said Moore.

Moore’s outlook on life, his dedication to making improvements and his ability to make quick lasting relationships is a reminder to all clinicians why they pursue degrees in health care.

“Taking Eugene out for the night was one of the best forms of therapy we could have provided him with. Hopefully, this outing gave him the confidence to become re-engaged in the community. I’m not sure who had more fun that night, the therapy team or Eugene,” said Van Veld.

“I really love coming here. The staff has my best interest at heart. You have to have a special heart to work in Physical and Occupational therapy,” said Moore.