Running Toward Recovery: Joseph Chandler’s Journey at Patricia Neal Outpatient Center

At 25 years old, Joseph Chandler is back to training for the Covenant Health Knoxville Half Marathon. This is a huge milestone and something doctors once weren’t sure would be possible. After a serious car accident left him with an incomplete cervical spinal cord injury, Joseph faced weeks of hospitalization, uncertainty and hard work. Today, he’s rebuilding strength and independence through outpatient therapy at Covenant Health’s Patricia Neal Outpatient Center (PNOC). 

Joseph’s Accident and Injury 

In early November 2025, Joseph was involved in a severe motor vehicle crash. The impact injured his cervical spine, affecting the C5 and C6 vertebrae and placing pressure on his spinal cord. Due to the extent of his injuries, he doesn’t remember much from the first 20 to 30 hours after the accident. 

“With just a little more pressure, it could have been a lot worse,” Joseph said. “Honestly, I probably shouldn’t be walking. By the grace of God, I’m still here.” 

Determination to Move Forward 

After time in the ICU and trauma unit, followed by inpatient rehabilitation in Atlanta, Joseph returned home to Knoxville committed to improving even more. In December 2025, he began outpatient physical and occupational therapy at PNOC with physical therapist Tricia Erpelding, PT, and occupational therapist Beth Melancon, OT. 

“Every time I go to therapy, I feel like I make progress,” Joseph said. “Now that I’m in the later stages, it feels like everything is compounding. The more you do, the better you get and the more you’re able to do.” 

Joseph attends therapy twice a week. His sessions focus on strength, mobility, balance and fine motor skills. While the road hasn’t always been easy, his care team’s encouragement and expertise have helped him stay motivated. 

“They don’t just tell me what to do. They support me,” he said. “They remind me to keep pushing, to do the little things like finger exercises, because it all matters.” 

Inspired to Keep Running 

That mindset is what inspired Joseph to lace up his running shoes again. Seven months prior to his accident, he completed the Covenant Health Knoxville Half Marathon. His goal for 2026 was to beat his time — until the accident changed everything. For a while, he considered sitting out this year. Then, a new perspective took over. 

“I met so many people along my journey who were in wheelchairs or couldn’t walk,” Joseph said. “I want to do this for them, too. If I get tired, I’ll walk. I just want to try.”  

Returning to the Life He Loves 

Outside of therapy, Joseph is slowly getting back to the life he loves. He is going to the gym, running hills, hiking, spending time with friends and playing pool. A graduate of Carson-Newman University, Joseph is dedicated to his career in logistics. After his accident, he needed to take some time off to recover. Now, he is ready to keep developing professionally. He has re-enrolled in a cybersecurity bootcamp and is excited to further his career. 

Looking back on difficult days in the hospital, Joseph hopes his story encourages others facing uncertainty. 

“There were moments I was in tears because I couldn’t move,” he said. “But now I’m here. Recovery is possible, even when it feels unlikely. Don’t give up.” 

Helping Patients Rediscover What’s Possible 

At Patricia Neal Outpatient Center, stories like Joseph’s reflect what Covenant Health does best — providing compassionate, expert care close to home. As a mission-driven, not-for-profit health system, Covenant Health is proud to walk alongside patients through recovery, helping them regain strength and rediscover what’s possible.