Video: NMMC Celebrates Rehab Success Stories With Tailgating

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – For Matt Ferguson, playing cornhole toss is a big deal.

Two years ago, Ferguson was in a motorcycle wreck on his way to work.  His injuries were so severe, he could only move one hand and he couldn’t speak. After surgery, his recovery included 100 days in NMMC’s Rehab Center, where progress was steady.

“I went from a wheelchair, to walker to a cane and started walking, been walking about two months now,” Ferguson said.

Later this week, Ferguson hopes to pass his drivers license test. In fact,  he is in the Rehab Center’s Hall of Fame, as a patient who made a remarkable recovery, with determination and a lot of help from doctors, nurses and therapists.

Dr. Rory Wong is a rehab specialist and says it is a blessing to see patients having a big time at this tailgate themed party.

“You know, often in the medical field you don’t get to see the result from beginning to the end, but in our case we do.  We see the beginning, for example, patients who can’t even move or talk, who leave here, talking, walking, doing great things,” Dr. Wong said.

Another hall of famer is Jane Carruth.   She has been a patient twice at the rehab center.  Once after a stroke, and the second time, because of complications following colon cancer surgery.

She says the therapy is tough, but the doctors and nurses are strong motivators.

“They encourage you, they support you like a family member would,” Carruth said.

Doctor David Richmond says hearing the patients’ stories is encouraging.

“It’s terrific, we also follow their medical issues while they’re here, but our main goal is improving quality of life, and that’s what rehabilitation is all about,” said Dr. Richmond.
NMMC plans several activities to mark National Rehabilitation Week.

The average stay in NMMC’s rehab center is two weeks.