Recovery in Action

“I didn’t know much about Craig Hospital before I became a patient in February 2025,” explains 49-year-old Saeng Inthavong. “But as soon as I arrived, I realized that Craig was not a regular hospital, but rather, a working hospital.”

She adds, “Because my entire care team put so much effort into helping me recover, I realized that I also needed to put in the work. It was important for me to do my part, so I gave it 110 percent every day. I made an amazing recovery, and I have Craig to thank for my progress. I feel so grateful.”

An Unexpected Crisis

In the fall of 2024, Saeng began to experience severe headaches and muscle spasms in her right arm, which led to numerous seizures. A battery of tests at the hospital confirmed that Saeng had sustained a stroke.

“I spent the next two weeks in a Colorado Springs hospital, while my family, friends and loved ones researched rehabilitation facilities,” she recalls. “A good friend strongly suggested Craig because her brother had a great experience there. When I heard that the hospital had an open bed for me, I felt extremely fortunate.”

Working towards Independence

As soon as Saeng arrived at Craig for neurorehabilitation, her care team was ready for her.

“I entered the hospital in a wheelchair, feeling terrified and overwhelmed,” she recalls. “Not only did I not know what to expect, but I didn’t know if I’d ever regain movement on my right side. However, my doctors and therapists were optimistic about my recovery. They gave me the hope I needed.”

She adds, “From the very beginning of my stay, my care team asked me about my goals. I loved that they focused on me as a person – and not just a patient. My main objective was getting back to my life, which meant returning to work, running, and gardening. Being independent was vital to me.”

Turning Goals into Reality

Shortly after arriving at Craig, Saeng began working with Hayley Medina, an occupational therapy specialist with the donor-supported Community Reintegration program. The program provides transitional services for patients returning to productive community-based activities, such as work, school or volunteering.

“Returning to work after an injury creates a sense of stability, confidence and enjoyment,” Hayley explains. “For some individuals, it’s an essential part of their identity, so helping patients return to that role is our main focus. And because this was so important to Saeng, the entire care team worked together to help make this a reality for her.”

She adds, “Depending on a patient’s specific needs and goals, our services include work readiness assessments, collaboration with employers, coaching and development, community resource connection, and career planning.”

While getting back to her job as a project manager on a full-time basis was Saeng’s long-term goal, she knew she needed to start slowly.

“It made more sense for me to return to work part time and slowly work my way back to 40 hours,” she says. “I wanted to return to my job, but I knew I couldn’t do it without Hayley’s help.”

This support included an assessment of return-to-work readiness, employer communication assistance, determining accommodations and restrictions, and providing ongoing support to help increase hours and duties upon return to work.

“Hayley was extremely helpful when it came to learning how to manage my fatigue, pain and stress,” Saeng says. “Dealing with my memory and coordination limitations were also part of my time with Hayley. She was instrumental in paving my way back to work.”

Hayley adds, “Returning to the workforce has been a significant milestone for Saeng. It’s a reminder of what can be achieved with tenacity, hard work and support.”

360 Care

In addition to working with the Community Reintegration program, Saeng spent a great deal of time strengthening the right side of her body, which was affected by the stroke.

“Aquatic therapy was very helpful for my recovery,” she says. “The warm water soothed my muscles and removed the weight of gravity, which allowed for easier movement in the pool.”

Ashley Miller, Saeng’s physical therapist, adds: “The properties of water provide patients with a great environment for healing. Doing therapy in the pool improves strength and balance by using water’s buoyancy to provide support and reduce joint impact. The water offers a safe, supportive environment for relearning movement and meeting functional goals without the fear of falling.”

For Saeng, Craig’s focus on her mental health was equally as important as her physical health. “Recovering from a brain injury meant I had to navigate many highs and lows. While this was emotionally draining, working regularly with Craig’s psychology team helped me manage the ups and downs, as well as deal with my new reality.”

Saeng also spent time with her recreational therapy team, working in Craig’s greenhouse, playing the piano and scuba diving, which helped her physical and mental health.

“I was so impressed with the 360 care at Craig,” she explains. “The hospital’s care team treats each person as a whole – and does not focus on just one aspect of recovery.”

Gaining Ground

Today, Saeng is back to work 20 hours a week and running 1½ miles several times a week.

“I live on my own, cook, drive, and grocery shop,” she says. “I am working remotely – for now – and using assistive devices to help me. Additionally, I work out at a gym and receive weekly outpatient physical and occupational therapy near my home.”

She adds, “My experience has been wonderful. The progress I’ve made has exceeded my expectations, and I’m deeply grateful for the rehabilitation I received at Craig. I tell everyone that this is the place to be, and every health care facility should have the same standard of care.”

To learn more or donate to help Craig patients like Saeng, please visit craighospital.org/foundation/donate.