Roberta Davis, a retired Chesterfield County schoolteacher, experienced an unexpected series of setbacks in May 2018. As a result of complications from diabetes, she endured three surgeries which led to a several month-long hospital stays and the loss of her left foot. Rather than dwell on the negatives, she says, “I began a new journey of hope.”

Rehabilitation at Sheltering Arms changed her outlook on life and she is working hard to walk again. As Roberta began her recovery, she says, “The quality of service and rehabilitation is phenomenal. The rehab equipment is state-of-the-art. There was so much care, love, and encouragement along the way. I don’t know how they do it.” She wants to highlight everyone that supported her and so appreciates the stellar care.

“I know why they call it Sheltering Arms!” she says enthusiastically. “The arms of each of those physical therapists wrapped themselves around me and gave me hope.” She adds, “This is a place where there’s love, kindness and encouragement. I have gotten to know everyone.” Her healing has gone so well because Roberta felt safe and protected.

This confidence in her caregivers gave Roberta the strength she needs to improve the quality of her own life. She recalls, “I started out not having confidence in myself to get started on my journey to walk again.” The program, she thinks, is exceptional and the therapists “won’t let me give up. They made me do all my exercises and repetitions in bed.” She can now walk with her own prosthesis and continues to make progress.

One of the special moments of her treatment came one day when she stood up to play Jenga. Roberta says, “I laugh because I never played the game before and I stood up for six minutes and completely forgot about my injury.”

Roberta’s attitude is so positive thanks to the Sheltering Arms experience. She concludes, “They have really touched my heart; they have been so genuine. I plan to walk out of Sheltering Arms and want everyone to come and see me do it!”