Moved by Kindness Michael LeFever
Michael LeFever had a minor accident that led to years of pain and a life-saving surgery. During his recovery he received an uplifiting card that led him to give back.
Michael is a fighter with a heart of gold. His sweet and friendly nature shines through when describing a nearly 15-year ordeal of prolonged complications from multiple knee replacements.
In 2011, after feeling a sharp pain in his knee after experiencing a minor accident while on the job, Michael’s workman’s compensation treatment plan initially only gave him anti-inflammatory medication. This may have delayed treatment for the injury that eventually led to a knee replacement that allowed Michael to return to work. Yet, his knee still bothered him. He later discovered that an unknown allergy to a glue used in that procedure resulted in an abscess six years later.
Rehabilitation Nurse Manager Maria Payuma with grateful patient Michael LeFever, holding thank-you notes from children at the Adventist Health Glendale Children’s Center
Desperate for relief and answers, Michael found hope in 2017 when he turned to Philip Merritt, MD, at Adventist Health Glendale — a partnership that ultimately saved his life. Together, Michael and Dr. Merritt fought vigilantly to bring Michael’s knee back to health. After 21 surgeries and Dr. Merritt’s research for a specialty knee implant from a manufacturer in New Jersey, they pursued every avenue to heal Michael’s leg. Unfortunately, the complications resulting from more than eight years of tissue and bone deterioration surrounding the knee, and a latent metal hypersensitivity, particularly around the knee arthroplasty, brought the news that Michael’s knee could not be restored and Michael’s life was at risk if they did not proceed with a partial amputation. While this news was crushing for Michael and his wife Doris, who enjoy an active lifestyle, Michael chose the life-saving procedure.
During his recovery, Rehabilitation Nurse Manager Maria Payuma recognized a patient who could use a dose of joy and hope. Maria’s younger son attends the Children’s Center daycare for Adventist Health Glendale employees, and knowing his class enjoys decorating small cards, she asked his teacher Tina if they’d make a bright “Happy Spring” card for Michael and the other rehabilitation patients.
The card brought tears of joy to his eyes and moved Michael’s heart to make a generous donation to the Children’s Center, which they’ll use to purchase musical instruments to enhance their music classes. In response, the class sent a big thank-you card in the shape of a giant ice cream cone opening to a colorful heart full of gratitude — a heartwarming reminder of Adventist Health Glendale’s mission to inspire health, wholeness and hope.
Are you grateful for care you received at Adventist Health Glendale? Please consider sharing your story to express your gratitude!