At 78 years old, Terry Brunner, a retired Marine, has always prided himself on his physical activity and resilience. However, a series of health challenges, including back and hip surgeries, cardiac issues and severe arthritis, brought him to a breaking point.
Falling frequently and struggling to walk even short distances, Terry faced both physical and emotional challenges that left him feeling demoralized. That all changed when he began working with Margaret “Meg” Bagwell, PT, DPT, at the Bon Secours St. Francis Therapy Center – St. Francis Millennium.
“I had reached a point where I couldn’t even walk 100 feet without falling,” Terry shares. “I felt so unhealthy, and my life felt incredibly limited.”
After consulting his cardiologist, he was referred to Meg Bagwell. Despite a previous unsuccessful experience with physical therapy at another facility, Terry decided to give it another shot.
It was a decision that would transform his life.
From the moment Terry met Meg, he knew he was in good hands.
“She was very nice and immediately addressed my concerns,” Terry recalls. “I felt like one leg was shorter than the other, and she gave me a shoe support that instantly allowed me to walk without a limp. It was miraculous. I could walk again.”
Meg took a holistic approach to Terry’s recovery.
“I saw Mr. Brunner for generalized debility and balance deficits,” Meg explains. “We worked on strengthening his entire body to improve his functional mobility, balance and overall lifestyle.”
Meg’s personalized care didn’t stop at physical therapy exercises. She guided Terry in changing his diet and adopting healthier habits. These changes, combined with his commitment to therapy, resulted in a remarkable transformation.
By the time Terry graduated from physical therapy in September 2024, he had regained his strength, balance and confidence.
“I haven’t fallen in months,” he says, his voice breaking with emotion. “I can do things today that I couldn’t do before. I can walk, play ball with my dogs, plant my flowers and enjoy my life. It’s been the most dramatic change of my life since Marine Corps boot camp.”
Terry’s gratitude for Meg’s care is boundless.
“Meg is an amazing person,” he adds. “She gave me many more years of happiness and hope. It was a total rebirth. It’s hard to even think back to how demoralized I was. My life is delightful now. My neighbors don’t have to pick me up off the ground anymore. I’d recommend physical therapy with Meg to anyone. It truly made a difference in my life.”
Meg’s approach exemplifies the compassionate, patient-centered care that our ministry is known for.
“People need to realize there is hope,” Terry says. “Physical therapy isn’t just about exercises. It’s about reclaiming your life.”
Thanks to Meg and our team at Bon Secours St. Francis Therapy, Terry is embracing life with renewed energy and purpose.
As Terry says, “M is for Magic Meg. She showed me how to walk with swagger again.”
Learn more about the orthopedics and sports medicine services we provide at Bon Secours.
