GOLISANO RESTORATIVE NEUROLOGY & REHABILITATION CENTER HELPS PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Recover, Together
And those people – the doctors, the nurses, the therapists, the maintenance staff – welcomed not just Andrew, but his family. “They are used to working with families who are going through trauma,” said Andrew’s mom, Christine Riesenberger. “They did everything they could to help ease the tension and the stress. They made us feel hopeful.” They also created a family atmosphere and encouraged patients and families to meet one another. “We weren’t just isolated in our room,” she said. “We could see the progress that others were making, and it helped knowing that we were not alone in this situation.” Eventually, it was Andrew’s progress they were noticing. Now, he’s speaking and eating and walking. His personality is back. Sometime soon, the Riesenbergers hope to bring Andrew back to see all those who helped with his recovery. “They see people at their worst,” Christine said. “It would be nice for them to see Andrew recovering. It’s a testament to all of their hard work.” Jeff agreed. “My wife and I cannot begin to express the level of appreciation and respect we have for this facility,” he said. “Please tell Mr. Golisano, and all the other benefactors of this fine hospital, that our family is forever indebted to them for their generosity.”
When 18-year-old Andrew Riesenberger fell and suffered a subdural hematoma, everything changed for him and his parents. An operation relieved the pressure on his brain, but the recovery period led to advanced pneumonia, seizures, blood clots and lung failure. He spent four uncertain weeks in intensive care before being transferred to the Golisano Restorative Neurology & Rehabilitation Center at Unity Hospital. When he arrived, he couldn’t breathe on his own or eat without a feeding tube. He also couldn’t talk, but he started clapping when the elevator doors opened and he saw the facility. “He did not stop clapping until we placed him in his bed,” said his dad, Jeff Riesenberger. “Andrew is on the autism spectrum and views life through a special lens that brings out the beauty in people that others cannot perceive. He is truly in his ‘happy place’ surrounded by people whose hearts hang on their shirt sleeves.”
“They made us
Christine and Andrew Riesenberger
feel hopeful”
6 | FALL 2022 IMPACT NEWSLETTER: GRATITUDE EDITION | ROCHESTER REGIONAL HEALTH
ROCHESTER REGIONAL HEALTH | FALL 2022 IMPACT NEWSLETTER: GRATITUDE EDITION | 7
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