Chip and Mary Ann Connell

For Mary Ann Connell of Clarksville, February 5, 2024, was life-altering. Her husband, Lucian "Chip" Campbell Connell III, a retired firefighter and farmer, was preparing a casserole when his speech suddenly slurred and he showed signs of a stroke.

"I couldn't understand what he was saying, and I saw the signs," Mary Ann recalled. "I called 911 right away."

First responders arrived quickly and transported Chip to a nearby high school where a helicopter could safely land. He was airlifted to TriStar Skyline Medical Center, a Comprehensive Stroke Center, where a specialized team performed a lifesaving thrombectomy to remove a clot. Chip spent a week in the Neuro ICU, then transitioned through progressive care and inpatient rehabilitation before returning home.

When Chip began outpatient therapy, he was unable to walk safely, use his dominant arm or communicate due to aphasia. But with determination, strong family support and his therapy team’s guidance, he regained mobility, arm use and even his sharp sense of humor. A key milestone: returning to church and fishing again — his personal goal.

A year later, Chip returned to TriStar Skyline for a “tune-up” in outpatient therapy—and this time, Mary Ann joined him. After undergoing knee replacement surgery at TriStar Centennial Medical Center, she chose to do her post-op rehabilitation at TriStar Skyline so she and Chip could heal together.

The therapy team echoed that sentiment, noting the warmth the couple brings with them. “Mary Ann knows everyone,” one physical therapist said. “We love seeing them come in together. They bring such joy and encouragement to others.”

Mary Ann praised the expertise and compassion of the rehab team, including physical therapy assistant Sean.  She also is indebted to the entire neuro team, including neurosurgeon Dr. Robbie Franklin, whose quick intervention helped save Chip’s life.

“You see the little miracles happening every day here,” she said. “The empathy, the support, the way they care for each patient—it means so much.”

Now continuing outpatient rehab side by side, the Connells say they’re thankful for the compassionate, skilled care that has seen them through a life-changing journey together.

“At TriStar Skyline, the therapy staff cares like family,” said Mary Ann. “And it feels like family every time we walk through the doors.”

The Connells are planning a cruise once Mary Ann’s rehab is complete. It’s a journey made possible by expert care, love and persistence.