After cancer weakened Doyle White’s body, the longtime Dalton resident and Baptist minister was placed in hospice care, unable to move from bed without assistance.
But his granddaughter’s upcoming wedding changed everything.
Once he was strong enough to be discharged from hospice, his care team urged him to enter rehab and physical therapy to regain the strength to move about more independently.
White wasn’t very hopeful at first, but he agreed. He entered rehab and physical therapy at Regency Park Health and Rehabilitation, a Dalton-based facility in Hamilton Health Care System. There, he actively participated in therapy and eventually grew strong enough for his granddaughter’s big day.
“We wanted him to be able to preside over his granddaughter’s wedding without any issues,” said Ladd Berdos-Rosser, Regency’s director of rehab services. “Through hard work and dedication, he achieved this milestone by standing confidently throughout the entire event.”
After prostate cancer, White had to overcome associated muscle weakness, reduced endurance and balance difficulties. He admits he wasn’t very optimistic about the prospect of getting better, at least at first.
“Rehab changed my outlook,” he said. “The staff always took care of my needs.”
Berdos-Rosser said White showed unwavering determination and dedication to his goal, giving it his all. She hopes his story inspires others and empowers residents of long-term care nursing facilities to set new goals and live fulfilling lives with the support of healthcare professionals and family.
“The passionate staff at Regency, including environmental services, activity leaders, the rehabilitation team, nursing and nursing assistants come together to create an uplifting environment that fosters positive growth and well-being for all residents,” she said. “Lives are transformed here.”