A Heartwarming Story from Centers Health Care

by Annette Pinder

L to R:  Mark McCarthy, Michele Kujawa, DPT, Amanda O’Donnell, OTR/L, Teressa  Monroe, SLP

L to R: Mark McCarthy, Michele Kujawa, DPT, Amanda O’Donnell, OTR/L, Teressa Monroe, SLP

Mark McCarthy is probably the most popular street vendor in Buffalo. He’s provided decades of lunch, advice, gossip, contacts and more from his hot dog cart outside the Rath Building. And in his off hours, Mark championed important community causes, including more than two decades of fundraising events that provided nearly $750,000 for those living with HIV and AIDS.

In August 2015, Mark was stricken with a debilitating stroke that left the right side of his body paralyzed, his speech severely impaired, and his swallowing ability so damaged he was unable to eat normally. “We were concerned about his recovery. He was in terrible shape when he arrived at the hospital, and a few bad seasons had left him in financial trouble. After a pretty short hospital stay we were worried about where he’d go and how we’d care for him,” said his brother Joe McCarthy. That’s when Centers Health Care stepped in.

When Mark arrived at Buffalo Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing (formerly Delaware Center for Nursing), he had no insurance, no Medicaid approval, no savings or other means of payment, and was facing a difficult road. “We were here for Mark the same way he was there for many others through the years,” said Carole Francis, Administrator of the Buffalo Center.

“This case was a real challenge,” says occupational therapist Amanda Cavese O.T., leader of Mark’s rehab team at Buffalo Center. Working with physical therapist Michele Kujawa, a plan was developed and everyone went to work. “Mark is such a motivated person,” said Michele. “He was going to recover no matter how hard he had to work, and that kind of patient is inspiring. We reviewed Mark’s rehab plan almost daily, to assure he was challenged, but that his goals were achievable.” Our speech language pathologist Teressa Monroe worked with Mark on communication and swallowing. The therapy team worked daily with him in the gym and stopped by Mark’s room frequently where did “homework” therapy. And the successes began to come.

In September, Mark was able to attend a charity fundraising event and, with help from the staff, got around the room with a walker. Excited by his progress, Mark’s friends became regular visitors to and his dedication to attaining full recovery became even more apparent. Now Mark has progressed to the point where he can live independently. On December 15, he’s returning home and Carole Francis has some parting gifts for him. “Mark’s friends launched a GoFundMe site to raise money to help Mark with expenses. We’re helping by donating whatever durable medical equipment he’ll need to ease his transition home, including a transport chair, walker, and other personal equipment. He’ll receive ongoing therapy at home, but he has made amazing progress and will continue to improve. We’re planning a springtime luncheon of hot dogs on Mark’s corner as soon as he’s back at work,” said Carole.

Mark’s GoFundMe site is www.gofundme.com/dp6byb8k.

WNY Resource:
Centers Health Care (Centers) provides rehabilitation, therapy, nursing, assisted living and managed long term care for patients able to receive in-home services, including health aides, registered nurses, physical therapists, home medical supplies and many other benefits. Contact Buffalo Center at 716.883.6782 and Waterfront Center at 716.847.2500. Learn more at www.centershealthcare.com.

 

Photo caption: L to R: Mark McCarthy, Michele Kujawa, DPT, Amanda O’Donnell, OTR/L, Teressa Monroe, SLP