John Purchase
Patient Profile
John Purchase’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. An avid golfer and former teacher, John lived an active and independent life until one day, everything changed.
On August 31st, John collapsed in his home. His grandson found him and called 9-1-1. What followed was a battle for survival, John was diagnosed with sepsis and a bleeding abdomen. Twice, he was resuscitated. For eight days, he was in a coma. Doctors gave him a 50/50 chance of survival, but John pulled through.
When he woke up, he barely recognized his reality. He had lost all muscle tone, unable to move, sit up, or even lift his head. “I didn’t realize how sick I was,” he recalls. “I couldn’t even turn over in bed.” It was a humbling experience for someone who had always been on the move.
John’s road to recovery wasn’t easy. Initially, he struggled to even stand. Before coming to Runnymede, he felt discouraged – treated as if he should “just get moving” despite his body’s limitations. When he arrived at Runnymede however, things changed for him, the rehabilitation team saw his potential. They worked with him, pushing him just enough, recognizing when he was at his limit.
John found motivation in small victories. “I couldn’t do this [eat independently] last week, but now I can. Tomorrow, I’ll do even more.” His determination became his driving force. He set goals, taking a few more steps, finishing a workout strong, always pushing himself a little further.
The team at Runnymede quickly became his biggest supporters. “They know what they’re doing. They work with you, not against you,” he says. Through months of therapy, John regained strength, mobility, and most importantly, hope.
But it was his family that kept him going. His daughters and grandchildren visited regularly, reminding him what he was fighting for. “I had two options – give up or fight. I chose to fight.”
Now, as he prepares to go home, John looks forward to reuniting with his family, his dogs, and, hopefully, getting back on the golf course. “If I keep improving at this rate, I’ll be back on the green before long.”
For anyone facing a similar journey, John offers this advice: “Listen to the doctors. Do your exercises. Stay positive. And never, ever give up.”
John’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of support, and the exceptional care at Runnymede Healthcare Centre.