On April 19, the lobby of Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation in Chattanooga, Tennessee, filled with applause, hugs, and tears. After 129 days in hospitals, Joel Rogers was finally going home to his wife and daughter, a moment that once felt impossible.

Just months earlier, Joel, a local Salvation Army leader, collapsed while preparing for one of his favorite events of the year. He had suffered a sudden aortic dissection, triggering a 10-hour emergency surgery at CHI Memorial Hospital. His heart stopped multiple times, and his chance of survival was just 30 percent.

After 22 days in a coma and weeks in intensive care, Joel was transferred to Siskin Hospital for inpatient rehabilitation. Weak, unable to walk or swallow, and recovering from serious trauma, Joel faced an uphill battle.

At Siskin Hospital, a dedicated team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists worked together to help Joel rebuild his life. He relearned how to walk, eventually reaching 400 yards. He slowly regained the ability to speak and eat again. His first meal in 97 days was a Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit. His hospital room was filled with cards and prayers from around the world.

Joel’s story became a source of inspiration across Siskin Hospital. His courage, faith, and gratitude lifted not only his care team but the entire community. Though he still has a long road ahead, Joel credits Siskin Hospital for helping him reclaim his life.

“When I got to Siskin, I was alive, but had no quality of life,” Joel said. “They gave me my life back.”

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