Charlie Gibson’s Journey at Sheridan Memorial Hospital Transitional Care: A Story of Resilience and Triumph
At 91, Charlie Gibson faced some of the toughest challenges of his life all at once. A prostate cancer diagnosis led to the discovery of a malignant kidney, which was promptly removed, leaving him with healing stitches. To make matters worse, Gibson was hit with a severe urinary tract infection that left him bedridden and drained of energy.
But Gibson’s story doesn’t end there — it’s just the beginning of his remarkable recovery at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Transitional Care Unit. Gibson affectionately refers to his time in TCU as “the resurrection of Charlie Gibson,” and the team of physical therapists worked with him, pushing him to regain his strength and balance. But, they didn’t just put him through the paces — they made it fun.
Gibson said the highlight of his stay was undoubtedly the decathlon the physical therapists organized for him. Inspired by the Olympic Games that were on TV during his first two weeks at the hospital, Gibson joked that in his next life, he’d come back as a decathlete. The staff took him at his word and set up a series of challenges that included boxing, throwing a javelin (made from a pool noodle), bowling and more. For Gibson, this event wasn’t just a series of exercises; it was a testament to his resilience and spirit.
“I developed the decathlon for Mr. Gibson after being inspired by the fact that even at 91 years old he displayed an unwavering work ethic and determination to overcome any challenge life put in front of him,” said Dawson Eppe, a physical therapy assistant, who worked with Gibson. “I am a firm believer that everyone is an athlete no matter their mobility or age, and the therapy and exercises we choose for treatment should scale with the patient and reflect that.”
The decathlon wasn’t easy. With his recent surgeries and infections, Gibson found the challenges both taxing and exhilarating, but he didn’t back down. With determination and the encouragement of his therapists, Gibson completed every event, even managing to climb the podium at the end. His efforts were rewarded with a gold medal, a symbol of his triumph over adversity.
Throughout his stay, Gibson found the key to recovery was more than just physical therapy. It was about staying positive, listening to happy music, laughing and accepting challenges — even when they seemed insurmountable. These principles guided him throughout his life, from his career with the U.S. Forest Service to his passion for poetry and art in retirement.
Gibson’s story is one of courage, humor and an indomitable spirit. He’s now looking forward to returning home, where he’ll continue his recovery and resume the active life he’s always enjoyed. He knows it will take time to get back into his routine, but he’s ready for the challenge.
For anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation, Charlie has a simple message: “Don’t just lay around. You don’t get well doing that. You need someone to kick you in the butt every day and get you moving.” And if you’re lucky enough to be at Sheridan Memorial Hospital Transitional Care, you’ll have a team of people ready to do just that — with a smile, a laugh, and maybe even a gold medal to reward your efforts.
If you or a loved one have spent three nights in the hospital and still need additional care before returning home, ask your case worker or physician about Transitional Care at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Our Transitional Care program offers a supportive environment where you can continue your recovery close to home.
Javelin (made from a pool noodle)
Boxing
Bowling
Receiving the Gold