Moving With Hope Physical Therapy:  Exploring Paula’s Success Story


Paula’s story starts at age 5 when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Doctors told her family it was inoperable and that she would not survive. However, her mother, Judy F., was determined. Judy drove Paula to numerous consultations across states. Finally, they landed in Connecticut. At Yale-New Haven Hospital, they met with Dr. Charles Duncan, a pediatric neurosurgeon. He shared that he had only seen 10 cases like Paula’s statewide and that her tumor was, indeed, inoperable. He performed her surgery anyway, saving Paula’s life. However, Paula would need a lot of physical therapy as a part of her rehabilitation.

25 Years of the Same

Paula’s surgery left her with many limitations and a lifetime of needing physical therapy and other therapies. Like most Americans, she received about 30 and 60 minutes of speech-language, occupation, and physical therapy each week. 

However, when her benefits ran out for the year, she stopped therapy.  “I was in and out of SL, PT, and OT for years and years and none of it really helped. I always felt the same after the therapy as I was before. And, I was always afraid of falling and hurting my left side where I had the injury from the brain surgery,” says Paula.

For over 25 years, she experienced no progress from her therapies. Paula became less and less active and moved less and less over time.

Finding Moving With H.O.P.E.

Paula’s neuropsychologist referred her to MWH. The goal was so that she could work to become more active, self-sufficient, and involved in her community. Paula agreed with her doctor and was excited to start something new.

At first, Paula’s lack of flexibility, endurance, and strength limited her movement and ability to exercise. She also used a cane to walk short distances. For longer distances, she needed to be pushed in a wheelchair.

The Moving With H.O.P.E. Difference

MWH designed a unique, long-term plan of care for Paula so she would have access to multiple hours of therapy all year long. Her occupational therapist at MWH was in constant communication with her independent living skills trainers. Her physical therapist was in constant communication with her Activity-Based Restorative Therapy (ABRT) trainers. Her care never stopped and Paula thrived. 

The research-based therapies Paula receives at MWH have improved her life dramatically. She no longer needs to walk with a cane or use a wheelchair. Paula reports feeling happier and healthier, and she enjoys being a more active member of her community. She has lost over 40 pounds.

What’s Next for Paula?

Paula is excited to maintain her weight loss. She is also continuing to develop her problem-solving skills using MWH’s cognitive learning program. She looks forward to getting a job so that she can be even more self-sufficient. 

Paula also looks forward to traveling around the country and even internationally. She hopes to one day give talks about her experience.


Let Us Assist You in Rebuilding Your Life

Our research-based physical therapy sessions incorporate the innovative Activity-Based Restorative Therapy (ABRT) among others. At Moving With Hope, we consult with your doctor to design a specific treatment plan just for you. Our team of medical professionals is committed to working with you to rebuild your life by regaining as much of your mobility and independence as possible. 

Contact us today to discuss how Moving With Hope can empower you, strengthen your support network, and give you renewed hope for your life. Let MWH partner with you on your rehabilitation journey and the next phase of your life.