Annie White

When you first meet Annie White, you are immediately impressed by her can-do and positive attitude. Annie has had a rough 2023 so far. In February, she was diagnosed with an Ependymoma on her spinal cord. This is a type of tumor that can form in the brain or spinal cord. Ependymoma begins in the ependymal cells in the brain and spinal cord that line the passageways where the fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) that nourishes the brain, flows.

In March, she underwent an extensive, eight-hour surgery to remove the tumor. After surgery, she had no feeling from the waist down and was in quite a bit of pain. 

She was going to need intense rehabilitation therapy. Annie and her husband, Chris and their son live in Crawfordville. She knew she wanted to be closer to home for her rehabilitation and she had a wonderful experience at HCA Florida Capital Hospital, six years prior when she delivered her son at the HCA Florida Capital Hospital Family Center. 

In May of 2022, HCA Florida Capital Hospital opened a 20-bed inpatient rehabilitation center. Since that time, they have cared for more than 600 patients.

When Annie arrived at the rehabilitation center, there were three rehabilitation staff in the lobby waiting for her. She immediately felt welcome and safe.

Annie says, “When I first arrived I needed a shower, couldn’t even sit up by myself, much less walk. The care team sprang into action. The first caregiver I had was Ebony. She gave me a shower and was so caring and compassionate and made sure I had what I needed.”

“My care team put together a plan to get me up and walking and stronger. They worked with me day-after-day to accomplish my goals, so that I have the freedom to help myself. They not only focused on my physical goals, but took a holistic approach to meet all of my needs.”

Annie spent the Easter holiday in the rehabilitation center. The staff created an Easter egg hunt for patients and let Annie’s family come and do a special Easter egg hunt just for their son. 

The team was also very accommodating when Annie had to go out of town for specialty care during her stay. They made sure that she and her husband had all of the equipment and care they needed to transport Annie safely.

Annie and her husband Chris couldn’t be more appreciative of the care and compassion that was shown to them during her stay. 

Annie is now back at home and doing well. She attributes the lessons and skills learned at the HCA Florida Capital Hospital Rehabilitation Center, to helping her re-adjust to life after her diagnosis.