Colorectal Tumors in Adolescents and Young Adults
Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital Launches Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
JERSEY SHORE — Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital has launched a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of people in the community.
This comprehensive program offers specialized care and support to patients with pulmonary diseases. A team of experienced healthcare professionals provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.
By offering a structured and supervised exercise regimen, education on disease management and lifestyle modification support, the program improves patients' respiratory function, reduces symptoms and enhances overall quality of life.
"We are thrilled to bring this much-needed service to our local community," said Tammy Anderer, chief administrative officer at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital. "Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program empowers patients to take control of their respiratory health and achieve meaningful improvements in their daily lives."
Tabitha Stover from Jersey Shore was one of the first patients to take advantage of the new program.
While undergoing respiratory function testing, she met Geisinger respiratory therapist team lead Mike Richardson, who told her about the new program at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital. Because Stover works in Lock Haven, she needed something nearby.
Once she decided to join the program, she said it didn't take long to start seeing the benefits. Stover encourages people to seek treatment if they need it.
"It doesn't matter how old you are — if you struggle with respiratory issues, get the help you need," she said.
Gordon Sylvis, another Jersey Shore resident, was another early participant. He is an 81-year-old patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Sylvis' wife Donna, who accompanies him to each session, said, "I've been elated to see his improvement. His breathing has improved and he has also increased his strength and overall physical well-being. We are very grateful to be able to just drive down the street to get this care."
For more information about the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, call 570-398-3999.
Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
A Breath Of Fresh Air: Richmonder Has New Perspective After 2 Double-lung Transplants
It was a simple game of kickball, played among friends on a reconfigured baseball diamond at Gillies Creek Park in Richmond's East End on a warm summer evening.
To the casual onlooker, it was just a bunch of young adults, joking and laughing, running about and letting off steam after a long day at work before they headed off to enjoy a round or two of golden-hued libations.
This was no ordinary kickball game, however.
This July 11 matchup between two teams who compete under the River City Social Sports Club banner was celebrating the 18th anniversary of Chris Nalley's first double-lung transplant.
Chris Nalley rolls a pitch during a kickball game in Richmond.
Courtesy of Cat McCarthy CreativeNalley, a Newport News native who's 44, pitched (or rolled, as it were) for his team, the members of which wore T-shirts provided by the United Network for Organ Sharing.
People are also reading…
Their opponent was the New Kicks.
"They were very nice, but they were very astounded," Nalley said a few days later as he recounted the moment. "'Why are you guys wearing these T-shirts?' We explained what was going on. They were like, 'That's amazing that you're out here doing this.'"
Quitting not an option
To Nalley, the concept of "amazing" is relative.
Yes, he was born with cystic fibrosis and, though he never led a "normal" life, he led the life he was given, and he lived it the very best he could.
Yes, he spent much of his youth and early adulthood in and out of hospitals, including, when he was 20, a five-month eternity in a medically induced coma so doctors could treat him safely for pneumonia, after which he went to a ventilator rehab facility before returning home on 24/7 oxygen.
Yes, when he was 26, he had his first transplant at the University of Virginia Medical Center following an 18-month stay on the waiting list.
And, yes, four years later he contracted an infection that triggered rejection of the donor lungs. Three years hence at 33, he underwent a second transplant, also at UVa, and afterward endured a series of potentially deadly complications that slowed his recovery to glacial pace.
But, no, he never quit. You see, when he was 9 years old, doctors told his family that he probably wouldn't live to 21, so by necessity he developed uncommon toughness, resolve and resilience.
Nothing, not even the specter of death, could scare him. Odds, he knew and has proved, are simply numbers.
"My life motto has always been 'carpe diem,' 'seize the day," he said. "With these transplants, every day's a gift, an extra day, so the coffee doesn't get cold, and the traffic's not so bad, so to speak."
Chris Nalley is seen with his kickball team earlier this summer in Richmond. They wore T-shirts provided by the United Network for Organ Sharing.
photos Courtesy of Cat McCarthy CreativeHow has Nalley honored "the greatest gift" two times over?
With eternal gratitude, for sure, because he remembers well the obstacles he faced when CF ruled his life.
As a youngster, he attended a few basketball camps, but strenuous physical activities including competitive athletics were out of the question.
"I was the last one across the finish line in the Presidential Fitness Test that you had to take every year in gym class," he said. "The mile, pushups, jumping jacks … not my forte, just because you need to breathe to be able to do that."
After graduating from Warwick High School, he spent two years at Thomas Nelson Community College and always worked, mostly in retail management, when his health allowed.
"My father was a firefighter and instilled a work ethic in me early on," he said. "I had some rough days in my 20s when I got up to go to work, and it was so difficult. I tried not to think about it. I just tried to live an as-normal-as-I-could life."
Still, the sword of Damocles hung constantly over his head.
"I tried to be as compliant as possible with airway clearance techniques and taking my medicine every day," he said. "I didn't even think about transplant being in my future. I pretty much thought that one day, I'd get sick enough and, to put it bluntly, choke to death."
When Nalley was 25, his already fragile health spiraled downward.
"I kept getting pneumonia," he said, "and I'd been on antibiotics for so long that it was just harder and harder to fight the infections off."
The challenges of daily living intensified even more. Simple activities like climbing stairs, walking even short distances and shopping for groceries became arduous tasks.
The waiting game for donor lungs began.
The call came around 6 a.M. On July 6, 2006.
"When they pulled the intubation tube out, the first breath I took was the longest I'd ever taken," he said. "I was so used to short, labored breaths.
"I describe it as … if you put a mint in your mouth and you breathe in air on a cool day, it fills your chest. It felt weird because I kept breathing in and my chest kept expanding. I wasn't used to that."
'It's very fun'
Five months later, Nalley ran his first-ever 5K. He started a flag football league that played regularly at the Humphrey Calder Community Center.
He ran numerous 10K's and in 2009 ran the Richmond half-marathon with Dr. Mark Robbins, a competitive runner and triathlete and his transplant surgeon.
"It was almost unreal," Nalley said. "He (Robbins) kept pace with me and supported me the whole way. My time wasn't that good, but I completed it and felt accomplished. Didn't get off the couch the next day."
In 2010, he entered yet another infection-induced health crisis that medication could only slow but not overcome. So began the next leg of his odyssey. The probability of another transplant loomed.
"There was a very weird time when I was too healthy to be relisted, so I just had to suffer," he said. "It was reminiscent of living with CF. I couldn't be as active, but I have a great group of friends who supported me and helped me navigate this new normal."
His lung function ultimately decreased to a point that he could be listed. After nine months, the call came on June 7, 2013, again around 6 a.M.
A plethora of complications ensued, and he remained in the hospital three weeks before beginning a long, grueling outpatient recovery. It took him a year, he said, to return to "almost normal."
Once he regained his health, he's hardly broken stride.
Competing for Team Virginia, he medaled in 3-on-3 basketball in the Transplant Games of America in 2014 and 2016.
In 2015, to honor his donors and the once-unlikely 35th birthday milestone, he ran 35 races of various distances over a variety of terrains.
The sheer volume of competitions over a relatively short time span took a serious toll on his knees, so now he occasionally slow-runs or walks a 5K or 8K if it supports a cause that speaks to him.
You can help us improve our coverage and deliver the news important to you. Here's how you can help.
Mostly, he stays active with social sports like touch football, dodgeball and kickball.
"It's one night a week, one season or two a year ... Not that bad," he said. "It's very fun."
Actually, it's more than "fun."
"The more active I am, the better my pulmonary function is because I'm building up the muscles around my lungs," he said. "Most recently, about a year ago, it was as high as it's ever been. I'm doing my due diligence to go out and be active and run, even if it's just from home plate to first base, and by being active, I'm honoring my donors."
Chris Nalley — seen with his girlfriend, Janet Lynn, earlier this summer — underwent double-lung transplants at the age of 26 and 33. The Newport News native is now 44.
Courtesy of Cat McCarthy CreativeYes … donors. The guardian angels of transplant survivors.
Nalley, of course, has had two. The first was Ryan, the second Hans. Nalley has met the mothers of both.
Ryan's passed away before his second transplant. Hans's now lives in Colorado where Nalley has visited her and four times has joined her for the Donor Dash 5K in Denver.
"It's almost like having another family," he said. "She looks at my success, family life, playing sports, and having a job as something good that came from her son's death."
Eleven years after his second transplant, Nalley soldiers on.
He pays forward his gifts by sharing his story and advocating for organ donation as a volunteer with UNOS, LifeNet Health, and Donate Life America.
More about UNOSThe United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) reports that 3,026 lung transplants were performed in the United States in 2023. That number far surpasses the 1,405 performed in 2006, the year of Nalley's first transplant. There are currently 893 patients on the lung transplant waiting list nationwide. Last year, 77 lung transplants were performed in Virginia hospitals. Today, 27 people remain on the waiting list in Virginia.
In 2023, surgeons transplanted 46,629 total organs, a number significantly higher than the 28,941 in 2006.
He works full time as warehouse manager for West Shore Homes, a home remodeling company.
Mainly, he counts his blessings and values the perspective he's gained from facing the myriad challenges thrown his way, the connections he's made throughout his journey, and the productive and meaningful life that was never guaranteed.
"One of the core values at work is 'Find Your Why,'" he said. "That's big. My 'Why' is two people who didn't get to leave the hospital, and I did.
"I've seen the good, bad and ugly. I've had opportunities and extra time. I have a zest and joy for life. My first transplant is 18 and old enough to vote. I've had a couple of different lives. Without the donors, I wouldn't have any of those.
"When death has knocked on your door, you have a different frame of mind. Every second is more valuable. Everything's more valuable."
Warming up for the 2024 Summer Olympics: Scenes from ParisA stand-in boxer waits to walk into the arena during rehearsals ahead of the boxing event at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France.
John Locher, Associated PressGabriel Medina, of Brazil, performs an aerial move as he surfs during a training day ahead the 2024 Summer Olympics surfing competition Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Teahupo'o, Tahiti.
Gregory Bull, Associated PressAna Gros, of Slovenia, left, controls the ball against Denmark during their preliminary handball match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France.
Brian Inganga, Associated PressViktoria Wolffhardt, of Austria, practices ahead of the women's C1 competition of the canoe slalom at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France.
Kirsty Wigglesworth, Associated PressPlayers take part in a table tennis training session at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France.
Petros Giannakouris, Associated PressA view of the volleyball court at the South Paris Arena is pictured during a training session of Turkey's team at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France.
Alessandra Tarantino, Associated PressTurkey's Cansu Ozbay controls the ball during a volleyball training session, at South Paris Arena, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France.
Dolores Ochoa, Associated PressA member of the Peru Team carries a boat ahead of the rowing competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France.
Lindsey Wasson, Associated PressChina's Chen Yuxi and Quan Hongchan take part in a diving training session, at the Olympic Aquatics Centre ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.
Lee Jin-man, Associated PressSamoa's Vaa Apelu Maliko retains the ball despite the efforts of Kenya's Vincent Onyala, left and Kenya's Nygel Pettersan Amaitsa, during the men's Rugby Sevens Pool B match between Samoa and Kenya at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in the Stade de France, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.
Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, Associated PressSouth Africa's Boipelo Awuah gets acquainted with the street skateboarding course during a women's practice session ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France.
Frank Franklin II, Associated PressSuni Lee of the United States practices during a gymnastics training session at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France.
Abbie Parr, Associated PressGermany's Svenja Mueller warms up before a beach volleyball practice in Eiffel Tower Stadium at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France.
Robert F. Bukaty, Associated PressBritain's Grace Reid takes part in a diving training session, at the Olympic Aquatics Centre ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Saint-Denis, France.
Lee Jin-man, Associated PressJapan's Aoba Fujino, second left, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the women's Group C match between Spain and Japan, at La Beaujoire Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Nantes, France.
Jeremias Gonzalez, Associated PressTaylor Fritz of the United States returns a shot during a practice session ahead of the tennis competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Paris, France.
Andy Wong, Associated PressAustralia's Jim Colley and Shaun Connor sail during a men's 49er practice race at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Marseille, France.
Carolyn Kaster, Associated PressGermany players sing the German national anthem before the start of the women's Group B soccer match between Germany and Australia at the Velodrome stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Marseille, France.
Daniel Cole, Associated Press'Iconic' 4,000-square-foot, 8-bedroom Jersey Shore 'Sinatra House' Known For Serenading Beachgoers Sold For Over $2M
The Jersey Shore house known for serenading beachgoers with the sweet sounds of Frank Sinatra music has finally been sold.
Located on the boardwalk of Point Pleasant Beach, the not-so-humble 8 bedroom 4,000-square-foot abode was built in 1987 for the late Sony Music exec and Ol' Blue Eyes fan Paul R. Smith, who would play Sinatra music from his porch from 8 a.M. Until 9 p.M. Every day during the summer.
"It was always great when we were sitting there on the porch and different generations of people would walk by and stop and dance," Smith's daughter, Susan Stinneford told NJ.Com.
The not-so-humble 8 bedroom 4,000-square-foot abode was built in 1987 for the late Sony Music exec and Ol' Blue Eyes fan Paul R. Smith. James Ward, Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living "They would always say what great music it was. It didn't matter if they were old or young."
It sold on July 9 for $2.275 million, according to Homes.Com, which called it "one of the most iconic properties on the entire NJ Shore" for its cranking of Ol' Blue Eyes, who was a Hoboken native.
"The only time I hear complaints is when the music is not on," Smith told the New York Times in 2002.
The sprawling residence, which was sold by Smith's four children, was on and off the market since 2022.
It was originally listed in September 2022 for $4.4 million and was then taken off the market in March 2023. The following month, in April, it was back on with a new price of $3.3 million, which lasted until August 2023.
It then came back on the market in March with a $2.95 million price tag, according to NJ.Com.
The house sold on July 9 for $2.275 million. James Ward, Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living "It actually comes across as a pretty good deal if you look at the square footage and other unique features the property has versus anything else in the area," listing agent James Ward from Keller Williams Ocean Living told the outlet at the time.
"The price point wasn't based on anything else other than the fact that it was a famous property and it has unique physical features that make it stand out."
When it was up for sale, Ward had told NJ.Com that the most frequently asked question he received from prospective buyers was whether or not they had to keep up the Sinatra playing tradition.
Now that it's been sold, he told Patch, "The new owner has yet to reveal if the music will continue."
Comments
Post a Comment