When most people face health issues, they feel depressed and anxious. It is truly inspiring when you meet a resident who faces these obstacles with determination and a smile. Such is true of Ms. Sarah, a 74-year-old native of Gueydan, Louisiana.

Sarah worked in the medical field as a certified nursing assistant until health issues forced her to retire. With her medical expertise, she knew the road to recovery would be tough.When Sarah developed a non-healing diabetic wound on her heel at home, she was treated constantly but to no avail. This non-healing wound resulted in an above knee amputation, but that didn’t slow her down. She was determined and always gave more effort than required. Before long, Sarah was walking 30 feet with a platform walker and transferring to/from bed using a sliding board.

Ms. Sarah faced obstacles that would have anyone feeling defeated or depressed. She defeated every challenge with a smile. All of her hard work and optimism has paid off. Sarah is now discharged from the facility and lives at home independently. She looks forward to receiving her prosthesis, and when she has mastered that process, she promises to come back to the facility to “show off.”