A fresh cut, a fresh start: Mr. Tepera's journey to recovery

John Tepera’s journey to recovery at Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital |Texsan is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassionate care. His story begins with an unexpected and life-altering setback. In November 2024, Mr. Tepera, 85, suffered a severe allergic reaction that triggered a series of debilitating side effects after being given medication to help fight cancer. Blurry vision, double vision, a painful rash, extreme weakness, and fatigue left him unable to function as he once had. He lost 30 pounds, developed a skin condition that worsened over time, and lost his ability to speak. Mr. Tepera couldn’t eat or swallow, requiring a feeding tube. He was hospitalized and did not think he would live. “Now, my attitude has changed. It’s to get better, and there’s a reason I am still here,” shared Mr. Tepera.

By the time he transferred to MR|HT, he was physically and emotionally drained but held on to the hope that he could regain his independence. “This place is fantastic,” he said. The staff’s dedication, especially in providing therapy, was immediately apparent. "You all do a great job with all the therapy, including speech therapy. I know I will get better," he said with determination.

A man of many interests and hobbies, Mr. Tepera reminisced about his active days—driving, gardening, and managing daily activities on his own. He was once an avid gardener at the botanical gardens, a passion that brought him joy, and after retiring from banking, it filled the void left by his career. Mr. Tepera also fondly remembered his family: his wife of many years who passed away four years ago, his daughter, and his granddaughter. "I’ve had a good life. This is just a bump in the road," he reflected, his optimism shining through despite the challenges he has faced.

During his stay, Mr. Tepera’s one request, when asked what could be done to make his stay more comfortable, was simple but meaningful—he wanted a haircut. It had been so long since he had had one, and he felt it would make a difference in how he felt. His request was taken seriously by the team at MR|HT, who went above and beyond to make it happen. Our Chief Operating Officer, Brin Cole, and Admin Director of MR|HT, Aron Sandquist, coordinated for a professional barber to come in and give Mr. Tepera a haircut. The joy and gratitude he expressed when it was done were palpable. “I was so grateful,” he commented. “It was a small thing, but it meant a lot to me.”

This moment was a reflection of our mission of “Serving humanity to honor God”, making sure he felt valued as a person, not just a patient.

Mr. Tepera has made tremendous progress since arriving at the rehab hospital. His speech has improved significantly, and he’s regaining his strength with each passing day. He knows it’s a long road ahead, but his new mindset is one of recovery, hope, and a desire to return to the life he once loved.

As Mr. Tepera continues to heal, he is a living testament to the power of hope, a positive attitude, and exceptional care.