Mary Smeltzer

Written by Mary’s Daughter, Carolyn

This is a story about my mother Mary, a 93-year-old retired nurse.

Mary is 93 and ½ years old and lives alone in a high-rise in Chicago. She moved into her daughter’s condo after her husband died in 2014. They had been married 67 years. Mary most of all values being independent and swimming. Prior to falling she was at another physical therapy (PT) facility for balance therapy. On December 20th Mary and her daughter were walking to the Goodman Theater to pick up tickets for A Christmas Carol. Mary fell, got a black eye and broke her shoulder in two spots. It was the first time she ever broke a bone.

No surgery was required, however PT was immediately ordered. After searching for a friendly PT program that would help Mary get to her physical therapy appointments with a cab, Athletico Gold Coast on Chicago Ave. was chosen. She has been attending PT since first week in January for shoulder mobility three times a week. She goes alone and praises the work of her physical therapist Chris, as well as how helpful and nice the staff is. She says, “I walk into the facility and they greet and know my name.”

Mary is doing well, has regained mobility in her shoulder and is on track to being independent again. The coordination between her orthopedic surgeon and Chris is remarkable. Chris was once asked if this was his oldest client and he laughed and said yes, the oldest he has ever had!

In addition to celebrating Mary’s recovery, the entire Athletico staff would also like to wish her a happy Nurses Week and Mother’s Day!

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