Bridges to Recovery: Dan's Inspiring Journey at Good Samaritan

In a remarkable journey of resilience and hope, Dan Reitmeyer discovered that the power of compassionate care at Good Samaritan could transform life's most challenging moments into opportunities for healing. At 72, a lifelong bridge construction worker with 54 years of experience and a dedicated Knox County Council member, Dan has always trusted Good Samaritan—a hospital that has cared for his family for generations.

On Sunday, August 25, 2024, while checking on bridge components near Westport, IL, Dan unexpectedly fell into a shallow hole. The fall, marked by a sudden whip-like motion, left him with a fractured C-2 vertebrae. Despite the shock, Dan’s determination shone through. “Even in that moment of pain, I knew I had to get back on my feet,” he later recalled. After calling his wife, Lisa, from his truck, he made his way to the Good Samaritan ER, confident in the care waiting for him.

At the ER, Dan’s worries were met with swift action. An X-ray confirmed his fears—a fractured neck—and his calm resolve inspired the team. “I want to get back to work full time,” Dan stated firmly before his treatment, a declaration that resonated with the doctors and nurses as they organized his transfer to Evansville for surgery.

After his neck was repaired, Dan was moved back to Good Samaritan for inpatient rehab. Just days into his recovery, a bout of nausea revealed a far graver issue: a rare, life-threatening twist in his colon. The discovery came as Dr. Victor Kirchoff and Dr. Bradley Vo investigated Dan’s worsening condition. “When I felt that sickness, I knew something wasn’t right,” Dan said. The emergency surgery that followed was uniquely tailored by Dr. Vo, who, inspired by Dan’s resilience, performed a rare procedure designed to preserve his quality of life without an ostomy.

The recovery was tough. Dan lost significant weight and battled low blood pressure that made even simple movements exhausting. Yet, every member of the Good Samaritan team—from nurse aide Taylor, who greeted him with a heartfelt hug during a difficult transfer, to therapists Andrea, Jacqueline, and Joy who patiently guided his every step—helped turn his despair into hope. “I cannot say thank you enough,” Dan expressed, his gratitude echoing the care and kindness he received every day.

Over five intensive weeks, with carefully adjusted therapies and round-the-clock support, Dan moved from being bedbound to walking unassisted. Every shared laugh, every encouraging word, reinforced his belief in the power of community care. “I felt at home here, like I was part of a family,” he added, grateful for the genuine connections that helped him regain his strength.

Today, as Dan continues outpatient therapy at the local facility, his story remains a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with compassion and dedication. “Good Samaritan isn’t just a hospital—it’s a place where hope is rebuilt, one step at a time,” he reflects, a sentiment that will inspire others seeking the best care in their own time of need.