When Carrie Eberly first felt the familiar ache in her back and neck, she did what she had always done - pushed through it. Chronic back pain was nothing new, and she even made it through her shift as a Visiting Angel, determined not to let discomfort slow her down. But by that evening, the pain became unbearable. A hot shower only made it worse. By Sunday morning, panic set in: her legs weren’t working.

What followed was a whirlwind. Imaging at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital that finally revealed the cause - a large spinal abscess spanning from L2 to L10. By Monday, Carrie was in emergency surgery. She recounted thinking that once surgery was over, she’d bounce right back. Instead, she woke up to a new reality: her legs didn’t respond the way they used to.

Early on, sensations came in waves - pins and needles, then a feeling like her lower body was submerged in ice water. Progress has been gradual, but real. Carrie can move her legs now, even if standing independently isn’t yet possible. Each day, improvement - no matter how small - feels like a victory.

That mindset is exactly why Carrie embraced the Winter Rehab Olympics with what she calls her “110% attitude.”

“My goal is to win as much gold as I can,” she said with a smile, leaning fully into the spirit of the games. Now as the games wind down, she’s celebrating two gold medals. Two bronze medals and one silver medals.

For Carrie, the Olympics are about far more than medals. They’re about reclaiming confidence. About proving that recovery is still within reach. She’s quick to express gratitude for the care she’s receiving and the encouragement that surrounds her each day.

Behind the scenes, that encouragement is very intentional.

“This is about focusing on the whole person, not just the diagnosis,” said Tami Ulsh, Clinical Manager for the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. “We adapt care to each individual’s abilities and create experiences that promote dignity, motivation and emotional well-being alongside physical recovery.”

That philosophy comes to life during the Winter Rehab Olympics at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, where therapy transforms into something celebratory. Patients cheer one another on. Friendly competition sparks motivation. Progress becomes visible and tangible - and worth celebrating.

“When patients realize therapy can be fun, competitive and celebratory, their engagement noticeably increases,” Ulsh shared. “It helps them recognize how far they’ve come.”

Occupational therapist Christian Parker sees the shift firsthand. “They become goal-directed. Their affect is brighter. They collaborate with peers and enjoy therapy more than they might on other days,” he said.

Every event is thoughtfully designed so that all patients can participate - whether standing, seated or bedside. Games are modified to match therapy goals like balance, coordination, problem-solving and mobility, ensuring safety while still allowing patients to experience success.

Physical therapist Trina Schenzel described the impact as contagious. “Patients get excited to come to therapy. Even those who don’t want to participate at first usually join in after a day or two. Having fun spreads quickly in the rehab environment.”

For caregivers, those moments matter deeply.

“Seeing patients smiling, cheering and encouraging one another is incredibly fulfilling,” said Ulsh. “It reinforces that we’re making a meaningful difference during a very vulnerable time in their lives.”

For Carrie, that encouragement - paired with her own determination - has made the Winter Rehab Olympics a highlight of her recovery journey. Each event is a reminder that while her path forward may look different than she once imagined, progress is still possible.

As Carrie pushes forward, medal by medal and step by step, her story reflects what the Winter Rehab Olympics are truly about: meeting patients where they are, celebrating how far they’ve come and reminding them they’re not alone on the journey ahead.