Kimberly's story
Kimberly Fenimore, a 48-year-old mom of three and bus aid, had a busy life full of family and outdoor activities. She enjoyed karaoke, fishing, the beach and riding her motorcycle.
One day, she was riding with her boyfriend and partner, when they were struck by a vehicle.
Kimberly suffered multiple fractures and was rushed to Cooper Trauma, where she underwent extensive procedures, including the insertion of a pin and rod in her right leg. Complicating an already traumatic situation, Kimberly experienced a pulmonary embolus, aorta clot, heart failure and COVID. She was in a coma for over three months. Doctors shared a bleak prognosis with her family, citing a 10% chance of survival.
Luckily, Kimberly beat those odds.
Upon awakening, Kimberly faced a daunting array of challenges: she required a tracheotomy to breathe, and multiple tubes for nutrition. "I couldn't walk, swallow, dress myself, couldn’t use the bathroom or shower. Basically, everyday stuff," she recalled.
The road to recovery had not been easy. At this point, Kimberly had been in the hospital for well over six months. But she persevered.
Once she stabilized at Cooper, she was in need of intense rehabilitation to regain her ability to walk, eat and care for herself. Her family chose Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (KIR) – Marlton for the next level of care.
Upon arrival to Kessler, Kimberly worked with a physician-led team of therapists and other specialists to develop a treatment plan. She set ambitious goals: “learn how to walk again, eat a normal diet, learn to dance again, walk at my own wedding [and] regain my independence.”
Advanced technologies like the LiteGait, steady aid and Sara Plus helped her progress with transfers, balance, stepping and gait training by supporting her weight while she relearned to use her body. “[I] was learning to walk with those machines; I was very excited,” said Kimberly, “[and] thankful my therapists challenged me.”
She was extremely weak. But her occupational, physical and speech therapists helped her through. "My therapists pushed me when I thought I couldn't go on," Kimberly remarked.
One of Kimberly’s favorite memories was her first shower. At any other point in her life, a shower would have been a routine activity and taken for granted. “I never wanted to get out,” she said.
Throughout her rehabilitation, Kimberly found solace in the support of her family. "They’ve done a lot with my challenges. Been with me every step from day one,” she said. “They remodeled my house for access and my sister attended multiple trainings.”
“My experience here was excellent,” said Kimberly. “I liked all my therapists and the nurses and aids were nice.” As she prepared for discharge, she was grateful to be able to walk and drive again. Kimberly planned to continue with outpatient therapy.
What was Kimberly anticipating the most about her return home? “To [being] with my family, children and friends, because I’ve been in the hospital for nine months.” She is looking forward to spending time with them fishing, going to the beach and dancing.
One day, she was riding with her boyfriend and partner, when they were struck by a vehicle.
Kimberly suffered multiple fractures and was rushed to Cooper Trauma, where she underwent extensive procedures, including the insertion of a pin and rod in her right leg. Complicating an already traumatic situation, Kimberly experienced a pulmonary embolus, aorta clot, heart failure and COVID. She was in a coma for over three months. Doctors shared a bleak prognosis with her family, citing a 10% chance of survival.
Luckily, Kimberly beat those odds.
Upon awakening, Kimberly faced a daunting array of challenges: she required a tracheotomy to breathe, and multiple tubes for nutrition. "I couldn't walk, swallow, dress myself, couldn’t use the bathroom or shower. Basically, everyday stuff," she recalled.
The road to recovery had not been easy. At this point, Kimberly had been in the hospital for well over six months. But she persevered.
Once she stabilized at Cooper, she was in need of intense rehabilitation to regain her ability to walk, eat and care for herself. Her family chose Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (KIR) – Marlton for the next level of care.
Upon arrival to Kessler, Kimberly worked with a physician-led team of therapists and other specialists to develop a treatment plan. She set ambitious goals: “learn how to walk again, eat a normal diet, learn to dance again, walk at my own wedding [and] regain my independence.”
Advanced technologies like the LiteGait, steady aid and Sara Plus helped her progress with transfers, balance, stepping and gait training by supporting her weight while she relearned to use her body. “[I] was learning to walk with those machines; I was very excited,” said Kimberly, “[and] thankful my therapists challenged me.”
She was extremely weak. But her occupational, physical and speech therapists helped her through. "My therapists pushed me when I thought I couldn't go on," Kimberly remarked.
One of Kimberly’s favorite memories was her first shower. At any other point in her life, a shower would have been a routine activity and taken for granted. “I never wanted to get out,” she said.
Throughout her rehabilitation, Kimberly found solace in the support of her family. "They’ve done a lot with my challenges. Been with me every step from day one,” she said. “They remodeled my house for access and my sister attended multiple trainings.”
“My experience here was excellent,” said Kimberly. “I liked all my therapists and the nurses and aids were nice.” As she prepared for discharge, she was grateful to be able to walk and drive again. Kimberly planned to continue with outpatient therapy.
What was Kimberly anticipating the most about her return home? “To [being] with my family, children and friends, because I’ve been in the hospital for nine months.” She is looking forward to spending time with them fishing, going to the beach and dancing.