Faith, grit and healing: Kentucky patient credits TriStar Skyline with life-changing care
For Troy Cessna of Butler County, Kentucky, life changed in an instant. Just a mile from home, he was in a serious car accident on their way home from work.
“I couldn’t feel anything,” Troy remembers. “I couldn’t move. I knew something was really wrong.”
He was taken to TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital where he was later transferred to TriStar Skyline Medical Center. Imaging confirmed a spinal cord injury with nerve damage that impacted his whole body, but particularly on the left side. Troy was admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation unit, but just three days later, he experienced critical internal injuries that required two emergency surgeries.
“That was terrifying,” said his wife, Leisa. “We had already been through so much, and then this. But the team at TriStar Skyline moved fast and never left our side.”
He spent time in the intensive care unit, then the progressive care unit, before returning to inpatient rehabilitation.
“Nurses Emily and Erin in the ICU were incredible,” Troy said. “They made me feel like I wasn’t alone.”
“Wes, a physical therapist from inpatient rehabilitation put Bible verses up on the window for us. It meant everything,” Leisa added. “Alicia, RN on the fifth floor, as well as Taylor, physical therapist, Raelynn, occupational therapist and Joe and Linda, wound care nurses have all gone above and beyond. Dr. Mandell has also been amazing in helping us understand everything and encourage us.”
After being hospitalized since April 30, Troy finally returned home recently. He’ll continue his recovery with outpatient rehabilitation and wound care at TriStar Skyline.
“I’m not where I want to be yet, but I can walk, move my arms and I’m getting stronger,” Troy shared.
“We’ve had so many answered prayers,” said Leisa. “We know God put the right people in our path. We’re just so grateful for everyone at TriStar Skyline who cared for Troy and gave us hope.”
Troy’s journey is far from over — but with faith, grit and the right care team, he’s proving that healing is always possible.
Learn more about Physical Therapy at TriStar Skyline Medical Center.