Bruce, 53, thought he simply took a nastyspill on his bike – but he soon learned the fall wasthe result of a massive stroke. He becamecompletely debilitated, unable to speak clearly,walk or even use the restroom on his own.

Two years later, Bruce is walking, talking andperforming daily functions on his own. But ittook a multidisciplinary approach by a team ofMercy experts to get him there, including aMercyCare healthcare provider, a Mercy HomeCare nurse, physical therapists, occupationaltherapists, speech therapists and a personaltrainer.

Bruce had the stroke in May 2009 in DeWitt,IA, and received care there for the first threemonths. His father died of a stroke at age 64, soBruce’s family history put him at a higher risk.Additional health risks included high cholesterol,high blood pressure, anemia, acid reflux and hisinattention to taking care of his diabetes. Aformer truck driver, Bruce now is on disability.

After his release from inpatient care, Brucetried living alone – but just one night proved hewasn’t ready for that. So, his mother, Emma Jo,welcomed Bruce into her Cedar Rapids condoand arranged for her MercyCare Marionhealthcare provider, Jessica Quinn, PA-C, to takehim as a patient.

The initial plan was for him to remain in hismom’s condo with help from the Mercy HomeCare team – a nurse, physical therapist and

occupational therapist. At the team’s first visit,they advised Jess Quinn that Bruce needed moreextensive care. She coordinated his admission toMercy’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Center,ironically then under the medical direction of herphysician husband, Dr. Tim Quinn.

“Having both Jess and Tim Quinn caring forBruce was magnificent,” says Emma Jo. “Theycare. It’s not a job about money. They care aboutpeople.”

While Emma Jo gives all the credit to theMercy team, Jess Quinn points out, “Thesupport from Bruce’s mom and sister made ahuge difference for him. We wouldn’t alwayshave great outcomes without this level of familyinvolvement.”

Dr. Tim Quinn agrees, saying, “It was clearfrom Day One of Bruce’s admission to InpatientRehabilitation that we were dealing with a familythat was deeply involved and dedicated to hisimprovement. It was inspiring.” In addition to theloving help of his mother, Bruce’s sister, Myra(known as Sissy), makes sure he gets out on theweekends and encourages his independence.

Bruce stayed at Mercy for three monthsreceiving extensive therapies. He notes, “I can’tsay enough about the complete Mercy team,from the people who scrub the floors all the wayto the top.”

Still, a year and a half after the stroke, Brucerelied on a wheelchair for mobility. Chauffeured

Bruce, 53, thought he simply took a nastyspill on his bike – but he soon learned the fall wasthe result of a massive stroke. He becamecompletely debilitated, unable to speak clearly,walk or even use the restroom on his own.

Two years later, Bruce is walking, talking andperforming daily functions on his own. But ittook a multidisciplinary approach by a team ofMercy experts to get him there, including aMercyCare healthcare provider, a Mercy HomeCare nurse, physical therapists, occupationaltherapists, speech therapists and a personaltrainer.

Bruce had the stroke in May 2009 in DeWitt,IA, and received care there for the first threemonths. His father died of a stroke at age 64, soBruce’s family history put him at a higher risk.Additional health risks included high cholesterol,high blood pressure, anemia, acid reflux and hisinattention to taking care of his diabetes. Aformer truck driver, Bruce now is on disability.

After his release from inpatient care, Brucetried living alone – but just one night proved hewasn’t ready for that. So, his mother, Emma Jo,welcomed Bruce into her Cedar Rapids condoand arranged for her MercyCare Marionhealthcare provider, Jessica Quinn, PA-C, to takehim as a patient.

The initial plan was for him to remain in hismom’s condo with help from the Mercy HomeCare team – a nurse, physical therapist and

occupational therapist. At the team’s first visit,they advised Jess Quinn that Bruce needed moreextensive care. She coordinated his admission toMercy’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Center,ironically then under the medical direction of herphysician husband, Dr. Tim Quinn.

“Having both Jess and Tim Quinn caring forBruce was magnificent,” says Emma Jo. “Theycare. It’s not a job about money. They care aboutpeople.”

While Emma Jo gives all the credit to theMercy team, Jess Quinn points out, “Thesupport from Bruce’s mom and sister made ahuge difference for him. We wouldn’t alwayshave great outcomes without this level of familyinvolvement.”

Dr. Tim Quinn agrees, saying, “It was clearfrom Day One of Bruce’s admission to InpatientRehabilitation that we were dealing with a familythat was deeply involved and dedicated to hisimprovement. It was inspiring.” In addition to theloving help of his mother, Bruce’s sister, Myra(known as Sissy), makes sure he gets out on theweekends and encourages his independence.

Bruce stayed at Mercy for three monthsreceiving extensive therapies. He notes, “I can’tsay enough about the complete Mercy team,from the people who scrub the floors all the wayto the top.”

Still, a year and a half after the stroke, Brucerelied on a wheelchair for mobility. Chauffeured

Tim Quinn, MDPresident, MercyCarePhysician Services

Jessica Quinn, PA-CMercyCare Marion

Gene (Bruce) Mesplay set off for an easy bike rideto the gas station, but ended up on a long road tohealth recovery.

Gene (Bruce) Mesplay set off for an easy bike rideto the gas station, but ended up on a long road tohealth recovery.

by Emma Jo, Bruce became a regular visitor toMercy Health Plaza to receive occupational andphysical therapy. The first thing Karen Mauss,PT, did was get him a brace that allowed moremobility in his ankle. He began walking with thesupport of a walker. Then,after weeks of physicaltherapy, Karen’sdetermination and Bruce’shard work paid off andBruce graduated to a quadcane (a cane with fourpoints of floor contact).

Emma Jo comments,“I think it is good for otherpeople to see Bruce’s story.He came such a long waywith Karen Mauss.”

He now works toenhance his newfoundstrength, coordination andstability with personaltrainer Tim Eilers at MercyFitness Center. Bruceapplied for and met therequirements for financial assistance throughMercy for personal training, which is notcovered by insurance, easing one financialburden from his shoulders.

“Think what that means for him,” saysEmma Jo. “We are just so grateful!”

One side effect of the stroke has beendepression, something Bruce struggles with lessand less as his recovery progresses. Anotherchallenge has been the increased severity of hisdiabetes, which is now under control with the

help of Mercy’s JoslinDiabetes Center, where helearned to better manage thedisease. He is even able to givehimself insulin injections –just one more remarkableaccomplishment due to all histherapy.

The entire recoveryprocess has been a trial,acknowledges Bruce,particularly since regulationsprevent insulin-dependentindividuals from drivingtrucks. He can drive a car,however, and that providessome independence. Now, hissights are set on moving out ofhis mother’s condo and livinglife more independently.

“I’ll go off on my own soon,” says Bruceproudly. “I’m looking forward to it, but I’mkind of scared, too.” Bruce has made a lot offriends at Mercy throughout his journey, andthey know his determination will get himthrough his life’s challenges.

“I think itis good for otherpeople to seeBruce’s story.”Emma Jo Mesplay

Mother of Bruce Mesplay

THE MERCYtouch 1918 SUMMER 2011 www.mercycare.org