From Paralysis to Walking: Nan’s Rehabilitation Story

When Elizabeth “Nan” Conway underwent heart valve replacement surgery on August 1, 2025, she knew there could be complications. She never expected the life-threatening ordeal that followed.

Following her six-hour surgery, everything seemed fine. Her sister, Maggie, recalls going home that night because all was well. That was, until Nan’s daughter called her to come back to the hospital immediately.

Nan started bleeding internally and her blood wasn’t clotting. She slipped into a coma for 12 days. When she finally woke up almost two weeks later, she was paralyzed from the neck down from the fluid build up around her brain.

Nan’s family, a close-knit group of three sisters, a brother and her daughter, rallied around her. “We had a moment of wondering what life is going to be like without her. And it was devastating to every single one of us,” said Maggie. They researched the best rehabilitation options, considering facilities across the country. Ultimately, they decided Brooks Rehabilitation was the best option and conveniently located in their hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.

On August 20, Nan was transported to Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital – University Campus, determined to fight for her recovery.

Starting Rehabilitation

At Brooks, Nan worked with a team of compassionate and skilled professionals who became her biggest cheerleaders. Her rehabilitation team, led by Lauren Shapiro, MD, included nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists, each playing a vital role in her recovery.

Nan and her sisters were all impressed by the innovative technology at Brooks. Though initially resistant, especially to the functional electrical stimulation to activate her muscles, Nan credits therapists like Allie Pruett, PT, DPT, NCS, for her persistence and humor in helping her overcome her fears.

“The first day meeting Nan, I think we both knew a lot of work was ahead for her recovery,” said Pruett. “With that being said, Nan was ready to work. Everyday had its own challenge, but Nan did not let that stop her. Together, we pushed through those challenges whether it was fear, frustration or pain.”

From the very beginning, they focused on small victories, like helping her regain movement in her shoulders, which had become frozen after months of immobility.

These small steps were the foundation for larger milestones, such as sitting up, eating, standing and eventually walking.

The Journey to Walking Again

From the day Nan arrived at Brooks, she made it known that her ultimate goal was to walk out using a walker.

One of the most emotional moments in her journey was the first time she stood up with the help of her therapists.

“I knew I was beginning to heal when I could finally use a fork and knife again to eat on my own,” Nan shared. “But standing up for the first time was a moment I’ll never forget. It gave me hope that I could walk again.”

Her therapists worked tirelessly to help her build the strength and coordination needed to take her first steps. Morgan Rickett, OTR/L, who Nan lovingly described as a “sergeant,” was firm but supportive, always pushing Nan to do her best.

“Every day, we set small, challenging goals, and I made sure to push her just beyond her comfort zone because I knew what she was capable of,” said Rickett. “Whether it was one more step or holding her balance a few seconds longer, Nan always rose to the challenge.”

Together, they celebrated every milestone, from her first steps with assistance to walking short distances with a walker.

Nan’s determination and the team’s expertise paid off. After weeks of grueling therapy, she achieved her goal of walking out of the hospital on a walker.

“It was one of the happiest days of my life,” Nan said. “We were all so happy. It was a moment of triumph for me and my family.”

A New Beginning

After 61 days in our care, Nan’s discharge day was a moment of pure joy and celebration. Fondly known as the “Pajama Queen,” she brought smiles to everyone around her with her collection of stylish designer pajamas and her sharp sense of humor.

Surrounded by her devoted family and dressed in her signature pajamas, Nan proudly rang the bell, marking the end of her stay at Brooks.

“There aren’t enough words to talk about the unbelievable care I got while I was at Brooks,” Nan shared. “The expertise was awesome. I can’t complain about one individual in the entire hospital.”

Today, Nan continues her recovery with the help of her family and Brooks Home Health. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative impact of expert care and family support.