John Swope

When you first meet John Swope, he has an understated, yet commanding presence. Retired from law-enforcement and the current owner of a private investigation firm, he’s usually in control of most situations. But recently, there’s been a series of events in John’s life that he had absolutely no control over. In August, John lost the love of his life — his wife Paula of 35 years. Her death was sudden and turned John‘s life upside down.

Within weeks of that tragedy, John himself suffered a traumatic medical situation. What started out as what he thought to be much-needed wound care for his foot- ended up with a trip to the emergency room and then just a few short days later amputation of part of his leg and his foot.

John‘s new reality was hard to swallow. After emergency treatment and surgery at HCA Florida Capital Hospital he was then admitted to HCA Florida Capital Hospital‘s Inpatient Rehabilitation Center. Grieving for his wife and his new life circumstances was taking a toll on him. He says it was the staff at the rehabilitation center that helped to set his path forward. The goal: to be able to go home and live independently. He says, “I believe the team here - emotionally and physically saved my life.” The team was very clear with him it is critically important that he learn to be independent and have the tools and resources he needs for when he goes home.

“All I can tell you is that the skill-set of the team here is amazing — they know what their goals are for their patients and so far, they have helped me achieve exactly what I needed. They have also known how to motivate me at the proper time.”

Sara, his physical therapist says about John, “I watched a transformation take place from when I first met him. He slowly brightened up, he regained his confidence and is learning his independence. He works so hard at achieving his goal!” John says, “Everyone I have come in contact with here has been cordial and gracious in humility, which has been critically important to my physical well-being as well as my mental well-being.”

John will be going home soon to move down to south Florida to be near family. As he wheeled himself down the halls of the rehabilitation center with a wave and a smile at the team members that have helped him during this difficult time in his life — he says, “I know this sounds a little strange, but I will consider all of them as some of the most important people in my life.”