How 35-Year-Old Laura Rebuilt Her Life After a Stroke with Therapy at Covenant Health

After a sudden and unexpected stroke changed Laura Gobbell’s life, she turned to Covenant Health for support. Expert therapy helped her regain what mattered most. Today, Laura is moving forward with determination, supported by her local therapy team.  

Laura’s Sudden Stroke 

Last August, Laura was at an airport in Florida, preparing to fly home to Knoxville from a weekend trip, when something felt off.  

“I remember thinking, ‘something doesn’t feel right,’” she said. “I was disoriented and had tunnel vision.”  

Moments later, she collapsed near the boarding area. Emergency teams rushed her to the hospital, where doctors confirmed she was having a stroke. The stroke affected the left side of her brain and weakened the entire right side of her body.  

If she had boarded the plane, she likely would not have survived.  

“It was terrifying,” Laura said. “I’m 35 years old, healthy and active, so I couldn’t believe this was happening to me.” 

In the days following her stroke, the effects were overwhelming.  

“I couldn’t move my arm. I couldn’t lift my leg,” she said. “I couldn’t even remember my kids’ names without looking at a picture.” 

After completing inpatient rehabilitation in Florida, Laura returned home to Knoxville to begin the next phase of recovery with Covenant Health.  

Life-Changing Therapy Services 

Laura began physical, occupational and speech therapy with the team at Covenant Health Therapy Center – West Knoxville, a department of Covenant Health Parkwest. She was relearning the basics of everyday life. 

“I went from being totally independent to needing help with simple things,” Laura said. “I couldn’t even lift my arm to wash my hair in the shower. It really puts life into perspective. I had to relearn everything.” 

Speech therapy played a vital role in helping Laura regain her voice.  

“Speech is such a big part of my identity,” she said. “I love to talk. It’s who I am, and my therapist took what mattered to me and made it part of my therapy.” 

Occupational therapy focused on rebuilding daily skills.  

“I’m right-handed, and my right side was so limited,” Laura said. “I learned how to use my left side while working to rebuild strength on my right.” 

One moment stands out. “I walked into the therapy room with weight machines, and I cried,” Laura said. “It was the first time I felt like myself again because I was getting back to doing what I love.” 

Physical Therapy and Friendship   

Physical therapist Margaret Keele, PT, DPT, GCS, CSRS, certified stroke rehabilitation specialist, became a key part of Laura’s recovery. Laura credits her progress in physical therapy to the way Margaret challenged and encouraged her.  

“She puts me through the ringer in the best way,” Laura said. “She pushed me when I needed it and never gave up on me.” 

Over the course of therapy, Margaret and Laura developed a genuine friendship. That friendship played an important role in Laura’s progress and made a difficult season more manageable. 

“In a time I felt hopeless, Margaret was a constant source of hope,” Laura said.   

Margaret shared, “I’m so proud of how far Laura has come. She has regained so much motor control and fluid movement. She’s not just moving again; she’s moving well.” 

Laura says that support extended throughout the entire therapy team.  

“I didn’t feel like just another patient walking through the door,” she said. “Everyone was just as determined to help me meet my goals as I was.” 

Moving Forward 

Today, Laura is learning to drive again, lifting weights, running and slowly returning to her normal routines. She’s especially grateful to be back to the “normal mom things” like tying shoes, loading the dishwasher and holding her kids. 

Her message to others is simple: “If my story helps even one person have hope, it’s worth it,” Laura said. “Life can change fast, but with the right care and the right people, you can keep going.” 

Therapy Services at Covenant Health 

Covenant Health offers expert physical, occupational and speech therapy services to help patients regain strength, confidence and independence. Our therapists partner with you to build a personalized plan around your goals so you never face recovery alone. 

Learn more about Covenant Health therapy services and take the next step in your care journey.