Kris was walking in Milwaukee’s Third Ward neighborhood with friends, when she accidentally stepped into a pothole and tripped.
“I went flying and landed about three feet away,” she recalled. “I broke my elbow and injured my shoulder, which I’d already hurt several times because I was a swimmer. I decided to have surgery at Aurora Sinai Medical Center, which is how I found Easy Street.”
Easy Street is a unique rehabilitation program at Aurora Sinai that helps patients regain mobility by allowing them to practice everyday tasks in simulated environments, including a grocery store, restaurant, movie theater, city bus and even a full-sized car.
“It has everything you need to get back to daily life. I rave about it to everyone I know.”
But it’s the people who impressed Kris the most.
“Everyone who works there is the full package – from the people who greet you to the different therapists who help you,” she said. “They’re experts who support you, answer all your questions and tell you what you should and shouldn’t do. They’re also personable and fun and not afraid to joke around with you.”
Kris, who is very active, worked hard at her physical therapy and had completed her treatment when she, unfortunately, fell a second time.
“I was coming up the stairs for an appointment. I walked through the door, and the next thing I knew I was flat on my face. My elbow was in a lot of pain, and I knew right away that I’d reinjured it.”
Kris had to have a surgery again, and because of her first experience with the Easy Street team, she chose to have her second round of occupational therapy there too.
“I believe in creating a positive culture that’s real and authentic, and this is what you have at Easy Street,” shared Kris. “They are a team. You can just see the friendliness. They’re all fantastic people who go above and beyond to help you.”
Kris credits Easy Street and her care team for getting her back to doing all the things she loves most, especially swimming.
“I think I’d be worse off if I hadn’t had occupational and physical therapy at Easy Street. The people there treat you like family or your best friend, and that says a lot. They work with you toward your goals and find you what you need, whether it’s a specific type of equipment or fitting an appointment into your schedule. I’m so grateful.”
How you can help
Easy Street is supported in part by charitable gifts from donors like you. To learn more about the program, please contact Kristen Chenoweth. Or consider making a gift today to help people like Kris get back to doing the things they love.