On July 27, 2014, Garrett resident Phil Reinoehl suffered a severe neck injury after a diving accident. Phil would learn he had broken several vertebrae. “I blew up C5 and had fractures in my C6 and C7, so I’m fused from C3-C7 in the back and have a plate and screws from C4-C6 in the front.”
This diagnosis isn’t an easy one to process, but when Phil surprised caregivers by moving his toes, he knew there was hope. He resolved to begin the intense effort involved in overcoming all the odds.
Very early on in his journey, Phil started working with Nicole Walter, PT, lead outpatient therapist at Parkview Hospital Randallia, where he receives his outpatient therapy.
“Phil was actually instrumental in helping us get the G-EO gait trainer, a machine that has helped so many patients. He went down to Indy with us and trialed it. He’s always just been that type of patient. He would go out of his way to help others.”
Through the years, and with a lot of support from his community, Parkview caregivers and family, Phil has accomplished goals once believed nearly impossible. “He knew the severity of his injury,” Nicole said, “he just didn’t let it define what he was going to do.”
For Phil, just the act of standing, which once required support from three-to-four therapists, can now be done without aid. “This is not over, and I’m going to keep going and I’m going to walk one day,” Phil said.
As for the physical therapist who’s been by his side for the majority of the journey, Nicole has confidence he’s right. But more than anything, she’s proud of the way Phil has impacted others in a similar situation. “He shines his light outward and uses what’s happened to him to help other people.” Keep going, Phil! You’re truly an inspiration.
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