Dean Kalmbach is a 70-year-old retired mechanical engineer who has been married to his wife for 59 years. They have one daughter and two grandchildren. Dean enjoys spending his time outdoors fly fishing, hiking, and hunting.

One day while hiking in Arizona with a group, Dean experienced a severe headache and vomiting. Upon reaching an acute care hospital, Dean was told he had a stroke.

After initial treatment, Dean was referred to Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital (NCLTAH), where he continued to receive critical care services.

Dean praises the doctors and nurses for their personalized care and attentiveness. “They’re very interested in you individually to help get you home,” he says. “They care a lot. The food is great too!”

Dean’s goal is to be able to walk independently again and return home to his family. He is well on his way, as he recently was discharged to Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital where he will receive advanced rehabilitative care and continue his healing journey.