Finding Hope and Coming Home
July 11, 2024
HAVING A STROKE was not part of Amanda Dubon’s plan during an outof- town trip in 2023. But the medical emergency happened anyway, leading to a 
hospitalization in a city that was not her own. One month later, Amanda was released to go home to Huron. However, her road to recovery had only just begun.
“The doctor said we had to look for therapists,” says Jose Dubon, Amanda’s husband. “We didn’t have insurance, so I decided to sell our house to pay for her stroke care and rehabilitation.”
Jose’s desperate plan changed when he met Sau-Mei Ramos, community liaison at Huron Regional Medical Center.
“My role is to support patients and provide resources or education that they need to complete their care plan,” Ramos says. “We work together to establish smart goals. If needed, we modify those goals.”
FULFILLED AND RELIEVED
During a physical therapy session, Ramos introduced herself and explained that she would help the Dubons. She even visited their home and helped them fill out paperwork.
Although there were “many, many documents” to fi ll out, according to Jose, the work was worth it. In the end, Ramos helped the Dubons navigate the payment and financial assistance programs.
FULFILLED AND RELIEVED
Nearly one year after her stroke, Amanda continues making strides in her recovery. She is talking more each day. And while she hasn’t regained full body function, she has increased her physical stamina. While she could only walk 400 steps per day early on in her recovery, she can now walk 2,000 steps in the same period of time. Amanda and Jose take strolls together at the mall, which also houses the church they attend. Together, they pray each day before walking. Each time the pair completes a lap, Jose drops a paper on the fl oor to physically mark the progress Amanda has made. She is even helping Jose in the kitchen of the home the Dubons thought they had lost forever.
“Sau-Mei helped us trust and have patience and hope again,” Jose says. “The day she visited us, I thanked God, because I saw someone was willing to help.”
If you are seeking support related to your family’s medical care, an HRMC community liaison can help. Talk to your health care provider for a referral or call the community liaison office at (605) 353-6516.
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