Donald Parker is a 63-year-old, retired Vietnam-era veteran. Donald loved retired life, spending it golfing, fishing and taking care of his grandchildren. His favorite part of being a grandparent was babysitting his grandkids and taking them school.

One December day, Donald was found unconscious in his car. He had been headed to pick up his grandkids from school. Taken to an acute care hospital, Donald was diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage. A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a life-threatening type of stroke caused by bleeding into the space surrounding the brain.

Donald’s condition prevented him from making decisions while hospitalized. His daughter, Katie McElderry, is a case manager at Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital. Knowing NCLTAH’s capabilities, Katie decided to transfer her father there. Katie noted that “NCLTAH has fantastic physicians, caring staff, and great outcomes!”

“The nurses were so patient and kind,” Donald noted, reflecting on his stay at Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital. “Everyone had a good sense of humor in this difficult situation,” he added. While at NCLTAH, Donald even met a friend he used to work.

The best moment at NCLTAH for Donald? When the CEO shook his hand and stated, “you’re a miracle man.”

“He thrived at Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital,” Katie stated. “He progressed so quickly due to working with a knowledgeable team!”

Donald discharged to acute rehabilitation for a few weeks, then home with his daughter for a month. He now is back living alone and independent.

Donald states his definition of success is “being able to play golf again and getting back to life.” Donald is now able to watch his grandkids grow up and be there for his family. He truly is a miracle man!