Hospital: PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Denver
Diagnosis: Motor vehicle accident
Ron Frick was simply sitting at a stoplight, waiting for the light to turn green, when he was rear-ended by another
car travelling 60 miles per hour. That single moment changed his life forever. Mr. Frick arrived at the hospital with
multiple injuries. He had severe intestinal damage and needed an ostomy and feeding tube. He was also
experiencing brain bleeds, which led to paralysis of his right side.
He spent two months at another hospital before transferring to PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Denver. When
Mr. Frick arrived at PAM Health, he didn’t think he was ever going to be able to walk again. But the staff felt
differently.
“Jon, a physical therapy assistant, said you’re going to walk again,” Mr. Frick said. “Back in January, I took six steps
on my own and that was amazing. And he (Jon) was right there helping me the whole time. It was just awesome. I
had someone to physically hold onto, but emotionally as well.”
As Mr. Frick continued his work with the occupational and physical therapy teams, his strength increased, and he started
to regain movement in his right side again. He credits the staff members with helping him make progress along the way.
He appreciates their clinical knowledge, but is especially thankful for how attentive, kind, and loving the team
members are. And, he’s grateful for their encouragement. As Mr. Frick said, their attitude was optimistic: “You’re not
always going to be this way. Things will change. You’re going to get better and we’re going to help you through it.”
