Independence and Hope for Bartolome
Bartolome (also lovingly known as “Papa Tom”) was living at home in the Philippines when he experienced a stroke in November 2019. Following the stroke, Bartolome’s entire right side of his body was paralyzed and he was unable to do things he used to do like walking, driving, and communicating. Just a few months after the stroke, the COVID-19 pandemic sent the Philippines into lockdown, which left Bartolome without the care he needed to recover successfully.
Bartolome and his son-in-law, Dean, traveled to the U.S. to visit a family member in Fort Wayne with the hope of finally getting the therapy he needed. What they didn’t know was that this trip would be the beginning of countless opportunities and milestones thanks to Turnstone’s services.
However, when they first arrived in the U.S. in April, they met with doctors and therapists who told them that it would be impossible for Bartolome to meet his goals to walk and live independently again.
“I was shocked at first because even if I put in all the effort of taking care of him, I am thinking ‘it might be useless’ if [the doctors] say that it’s impossible,” said Dean. “It was as if a bomb was dropped on us because we had expected that he would make a full recovery.”
Finally, they discovered Turnstone. They connected with Turnstone’s Social Services team and momentum finally began to build for Bartolome. Turnstone supported the family through every step in the process, setting Bartolome up with the services, equipment, and resources he needed.
“Papa Tom and I were really overwhelmed at first because we have never seen a facility like this in the Philippines. Yes, we have gyms and therapy, but Turnstone was different because it offers everything. This is really amazing!” said Dean. “Seeing this place gave me hope for [Papa Tom].”
First, Bartolome and Dean began to make Turnstone’s Fitness Center a part of their regular routine to work on his strength. The fitness staff welcomed Bartolome and Dean by demonstrating the machines and guiding them as they adjusted to the adaptive workout facility.
Then, what once seemed impossible looked within reach as Bartolome progressed through occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. Within a month at Turnstone, Bartolome was able to stand on his own and walk with assistance; he has even taken a few steps independently.
Though Bartolome will be returning to the Philippines at the end of October, he now has the foundation, tools, and hope to do more than he and his family ever thought possible.
“The first time we met with the physical therapist, he said ‘nothing is impossible; it will be difficult, but nothing is impossible.’” This restored their hope. “I’m so glad to have someone say that nothing is impossible,” smiled Dean.
Turnstone may have been a short chapter in Bartolome’s life but thanks to people like you who support our mission, he found a community across the world that was dedicated to helping him reach his goals and live his life fully at home and afar.
