Sandra Borden
Sandy Borden lived a busy life filled with simple joys, such as watching her granddaughters, caring for her dogs and cats, cooking, and sipping coffee on her front porch. However, her world was turned upside down when her health took a sudden and critical turn.
Diagnosed with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, Sandy underwent a transaortic septal myectomy at The Medical Center at Bowling Green. While the procedure was successful, her recovery was complicated by respiratory failure, which required her to spend 11 days on a ventilator and 20 days in the ICU, leaving her physically weakened.
Sandy’s care team recommended an intensive inpatient rehabilitation program. They collaborated with Sarah, our clinical liaison at Southern Kentucky Rehabilitation Hospital, to facilitate her transfer. Sandy chose SKY Rehab after witnessing the remarkable recovery her brother-in-law experienced here following two severe strokes. Her sister, our respiratory therapy manager, further reassured her decision!
When Sandy arrived at SKY Rehab, she was entirely dependent on others for support—unable to sit up, eat, or even lift her arm to brush her teeth or hair. Despite these challenges, she was determined to regain her independence, motivated by her love for her family and her desire to return home.
With the support of our skilled therapy team, Sandy made extraordinary progress, working with multiple therapy disciplines. She formed a special connection with Aleksey, her physical therapist, whose encouragement had a lasting impact.
“Aleksey truly encouraged and pushed me,” Sandy shared. “Even when I failed, he kept believing in me. For that, I’ll always be thankful.”
In just 14 days at SKY Rehab, Sandy achieved significant milestones. She regained her ability to sit up, feed herself, and walk—becoming fully independent in all her daily activities.
When asked how she would define a successful recovery, Sandy reflected, “Success is overcoming everything I’ve been through and regaining my independence.”
Now back at home, Sandy is enjoying spending quality time with her family. Her husband even volunteered to cook Thanksgiving dinner, giving Sandy a well-deserved opportunity to relax and savor her recovery!
It has been our honor to be part of Sandy’s recovery journey and to witness her incredible determination. We at SKY Rehab wish Sandy all the best as she continues to enjoy life with her family, pets, and a warm cup of coffee on her front porch!
