Volunteer has Special Connection with Sheltering Arms

When Chris Bragg was a patient at Sheltering Arms in September 2009, he had no idea that it was just the beginning of something much bigger.

“When I first came to Sheltering Arms after my stroke, I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t swallow,” says Bragg.

 

He was so grateful for the progress he made in his physical, occupational and speech therapy at Sheltering Arms Hospital and in his subsequent outpatient therapy. When he needed rehabilitation a few years later following a heart attack and open heart surgery, the choice was obvious to him. He came back to Sheltering Arms.

“They treated me so well and I really felt good about myself. In my heart, I wanted to give back,” he adds.

Mr. Bragg certainly gives back to Sheltering Arms these days, volunteering his time every Tuesday and Thursday. He has been dubbed the ‘Director of First Impressions’ for the way he warmly greets patients and visitors at the front desk of the hospital. He also visits with patients, offering encouragement from someone who has been in their shoes.

“It doesn’t take a whole lot to make someone smile. It’s a good feeling to give,” he summarizes with a smile.

Sheltering Arms was founded by Rebekah Peterkin and a group of volunteers in 1889 and was run by volunteers for several years. Volunteers remain an important part of our daily operations today. In fact, last year a total of 91 volunteers donated more than 4,120 hours of their time throughout the Sheltering Arms programs, services and locations. In honor of National Volunteer Week, we salute Chris and all of the dedicated Sheltering Arms volunteers!

Above: Sheltering Arms President & CEO, James Sok thanks volunteers June Quisenberry (left) and Chris Bragg (right) for their hard work.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Top 3 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and are looking to start a new exercise program? Research has indicated that exercise can help reduce the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and can provide relief from motor symptoms, stiffness, or mood changes that can be associated with the diagnosis. It’s recommended to see a physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with Parkinson’s Disease to identify specific areas of improvement and to assist you in establishing a safe, customized exercise program. Learn exercises to address different elements of physical exercise and wellness.

Avocado toast with turkey bacon and tomato

5 No-Egg Healthy Breakfast Ideas​

As many of you may know, there’s been an ongoing egg shortage due to the bird flu, which has significantly impacted egg prices — up by more than 50% from last year. While this may have made your usual breakfast routine a bit more challenging, fear not! There are plenty of other protein-rich options to fuel your day.

Q&A: What to Expect When Facing an Upper or Lower Limb Amputation

In the United States alone, approximately 185,000 amputations occur each year, and 2 million people are living with limb loss. In recognition of Limb Loss Awareness Month, this article addresses common questions surrounding limb loss, from the reasons for amputation to returning to favorite activities following surgery. An amputation is the surgical removal of part of the body, usually an arm or leg. There are three main reasons for amputation.

The Interdisciplinary Approach in Rehabilitation to Multiple Sclerosis Care

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects nearly 1 million people in the United States alone. MS is an immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the myelin insulation that surrounds the nerves in the central nervous system. This damage causes widespread symptoms varying in severity, including fatigue, weakness, sensation loss, visual impairments, and walking and balance impairments. These symptoms of MS can impact someone’s mobility, quality of life, ability to work and provide for their family, relationships, and community participation. Because these symptoms can impact so many aspects of a person’s life, a rehabilitative care team should consist of multiple disciplines that work together to provide a collaborative, all-encompassing care plan, called interdisciplinary care.

9 Ways to Improve Sleep After a Concussion

After a concussion, there are a lot of common misconceptions about sleep. Mainly, is it safe to sleep following this mild traumatic brain injury? The answer is yes – it is okay to sleep after a concussion! This misconception stems from an out-of-date recommendation to wake the person up every hour to check on them. However, that is only if there is concern about the risk for a brain hemorrhage or bleed that wasn’t immediately apparent.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.