Marc Polk is a 49-year-old Senior Compliance Officer from Cheyenne, Wyoming. When not spending time with his family—his wife, Mary, four children, and two grandchildren—he enjoys hiking, fishing, and hunting. Marc’s life dramatically changed when he began experiencing persistent headaches and increasing weakness, which eventually led to him collapsing one day. After receiving medical attention, he learned that he had an epidural abscess, or an infection in his spine extending from the second to the eleventh vertebra in the thoracic spinal column. This resulted in paraplegia, paralyzing his lower limbs and torso. He underwent surgery.

Following his initial care, Marc required long-term critical care to support his recovery. He chose Northern Colorado Long Term Acute Hospital (NCLTAH) because of its proximity to his home and family.

Upon arrival at NCLTAH, Marc was unable to sit up without assistance. He set goals with the interdisciplinary medical team, focusing on learning how to perform daily tasks as a paraplegic, including transfers and use of an electric wheelchair.

“My entire experience has been fantastic; the staff is phenomenal,” Marc says. “The therapy team has been wonderful in teaching me how to do everyday activities again. The nursing staff is very attentive to my needs, and Drs. Pearson and Salgado truly understand my situation and are empathetic to it. They are great with continuity of care.”

In addition to the medical care, Marc found enjoyment in the everyday comforts of the hospital. He speaks enthusiastically about the hospital’s meals, calling them “hands down the best.”

Marc made significant progress, gaining strength to assist with daily living skills. He credits the nursing staff’s attentiveness and the seamless coordination between shifts for providing him with a sense of stability and reassurance.

Marc will continue his care at a specialized spinal cord injury facility before returning home. After completing this specialized rehabilitation, he is excited to get home and back to a new routine, including returning to work and spending his weekends outdoors. He looks forward to this new chapter in his life.