Samantha's story

Samantha Cifelli, a 28-year-old veterinary technician from New Jersey, embraces life to the fullest. She loves her work and enjoys spending time with her family.
One day, while heading out for dinner with her family, Samantha’s life took a sharp detour.
“I was headed to Mother’s Day dinner with my family when I was struck by a car while riding on my motorcycle,” she said. “I broke both of my femurs, an ankle, four ribs, my radius and a bone in my pinky.”
Her family rushed to her side. “It took moments after my accident for my loved ones to rally,” she said. “Their outpouring of love was more than I ever could have expected.”
The accident left her with multiple traumatic injuries, and she spent eight days at Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center undergoing several surgeries to place rods and screws in her bones for stability. Multiple rounds of blood work were needed and she received a blood transfusion.
After she stabilized, Samantha was in need of comprehensive therapy to rebuild her life.
Samantha chose Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (KIR) - Saddle Brook based on her uncle’s positive experiences there after he had his knees replaced. “He always had only good things to say, so we felt it was the place to be,” she said.
Samantha’s primary goals were to get back home, hug her dogs and return to life without needing anyone’s assistance.
At KIR - Saddle Brook, Samantha’s physician-led rehabilitation team tailored a plan to help her overcome multiple challenges such as leg weakness, impaired mobility and difficulty performing everyday tasks.
“It was difficult not being able to do things that I previously did without thinking,” she recalled.
In physical therapy, she worked on strength and range of motion through exercises like heel slides, bridges and sit-to-stands without hand support. These exercises progressed to stair training using parallel bars and partial squats, all of which helped Samantha rebuild her leg strength. With her right arm non-weight-bearing, she used a left platform rolling walker for walking and transfers.
“Learning to walk again would be hard and, at times, really frustrating” said Samantha. “Once I reminded myself how strong I am, regardless of my current situation, things really turned about — it became much easier to… see progress.”
In less than two weeks, she was able to walk independently with a device and navigate a flight of stairs with a handrail and minimal assistance.
Occupational therapy sessions targeted practical skills Samantha needed at home. Therapists guided her through navigating narrow spaces with her walker, folding laundry to improve standing tolerance and participating in activities like playing games to boost coordination. Samantha was thankful for the knowledge of the staff.
“I would have never thought about folding laundry being a potential struggle,” Samantha reflected. By discharge, she was independent for bed mobility, dressing and toileting.
For Samantha, a key turning point in her recovery was the realization that her limitations were temporary. This shift in mindset allowed her to acknowledge daily progress and stay motivated.
Her family’s presence also bolstered her recovery. “A life-changing experience like this really puts your life in perspective,” Samantha explained. “My family and friends are incredible — this is not a new realization of mine, but this event was a solid reminder.”
Leaving Kessler, Samantha looked forward to spending time with her dogs and family. “I [can’t] wait to hug my family and friends while standing,” she said. Continuing outpatient therapy at a Kessler Rehabilitation Center was also part of the plan. She was excited to keep progressing and looking forward to more adventure.
“I can’t wait to get right back on a motorcycle and see so much more of this wonderful world,” she said.
She offered the following advice to those who find themselves in a similar situation: “As hard as it may seem, or as bad as your situation may feel, it’s on you to do the work. What you put in, how hard you push will be rewarded by your progress. For families, know when to give words of encouragement, but also know when to step back and let your family member push themselves. It’s their journey — sometimes you have to take a backseat and just watch.”
One day, while heading out for dinner with her family, Samantha’s life took a sharp detour.
“I was headed to Mother’s Day dinner with my family when I was struck by a car while riding on my motorcycle,” she said. “I broke both of my femurs, an ankle, four ribs, my radius and a bone in my pinky.”
Her family rushed to her side. “It took moments after my accident for my loved ones to rally,” she said. “Their outpouring of love was more than I ever could have expected.”
The accident left her with multiple traumatic injuries, and she spent eight days at Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center undergoing several surgeries to place rods and screws in her bones for stability. Multiple rounds of blood work were needed and she received a blood transfusion.
After she stabilized, Samantha was in need of comprehensive therapy to rebuild her life.
Samantha chose Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (KIR) - Saddle Brook based on her uncle’s positive experiences there after he had his knees replaced. “He always had only good things to say, so we felt it was the place to be,” she said.
Samantha’s primary goals were to get back home, hug her dogs and return to life without needing anyone’s assistance.
At KIR - Saddle Brook, Samantha’s physician-led rehabilitation team tailored a plan to help her overcome multiple challenges such as leg weakness, impaired mobility and difficulty performing everyday tasks.
“It was difficult not being able to do things that I previously did without thinking,” she recalled.
In physical therapy, she worked on strength and range of motion through exercises like heel slides, bridges and sit-to-stands without hand support. These exercises progressed to stair training using parallel bars and partial squats, all of which helped Samantha rebuild her leg strength. With her right arm non-weight-bearing, she used a left platform rolling walker for walking and transfers.
“Learning to walk again would be hard and, at times, really frustrating” said Samantha. “Once I reminded myself how strong I am, regardless of my current situation, things really turned about — it became much easier to… see progress.”
In less than two weeks, she was able to walk independently with a device and navigate a flight of stairs with a handrail and minimal assistance.
Occupational therapy sessions targeted practical skills Samantha needed at home. Therapists guided her through navigating narrow spaces with her walker, folding laundry to improve standing tolerance and participating in activities like playing games to boost coordination. Samantha was thankful for the knowledge of the staff.
“I would have never thought about folding laundry being a potential struggle,” Samantha reflected. By discharge, she was independent for bed mobility, dressing and toileting.
For Samantha, a key turning point in her recovery was the realization that her limitations were temporary. This shift in mindset allowed her to acknowledge daily progress and stay motivated.
Her family’s presence also bolstered her recovery. “A life-changing experience like this really puts your life in perspective,” Samantha explained. “My family and friends are incredible — this is not a new realization of mine, but this event was a solid reminder.”
Leaving Kessler, Samantha looked forward to spending time with her dogs and family. “I [can’t] wait to hug my family and friends while standing,” she said. Continuing outpatient therapy at a Kessler Rehabilitation Center was also part of the plan. She was excited to keep progressing and looking forward to more adventure.
“I can’t wait to get right back on a motorcycle and see so much more of this wonderful world,” she said.
She offered the following advice to those who find themselves in a similar situation: “As hard as it may seem, or as bad as your situation may feel, it’s on you to do the work. What you put in, how hard you push will be rewarded by your progress. For families, know when to give words of encouragement, but also know when to step back and let your family member push themselves. It’s their journey — sometimes you have to take a backseat and just watch.”