Virginia Kessler is an 84-year-old retiree living in Sacramento, California. She enjoys cooking, playing cards, and doing her makeup and hair. In June 2023, she had surgery for bilateral below-knee amputations.

After Virginia received initial care, she was admitted to Sacramento Rehabilitation Hospital (SRH) for specialized therapy and treatment post-surgery. She then was discharged to an assisted living facility and returned back to SRH after she received her prosthetics. She wanted to learn how to use her prosthetics so she could regain her independence, which included walking and getting in and out of a car.

Initially, Virginia’s son, Michael, assisted her in selecting SRH for her rehabilitative care. He had heard many positive things about the staff and culture at the hospital.

When Virginia first arrived at SRH, she could walk about 3 feet with assistance. After 15 days of therapy, she now can walk a distance of 200 feet using a rolling walker and go up and down stairs.

She says, “When I first started, I didn’t believe in my abilities, but the SRH staff gave me the confidence to try and walk. I have been walking on my own ever since. I am very grateful for the care I received from the nurses, therapists, and doctors.”