When Larry Shipe of Union County began physical therapy in December 2025, he was facing significant mobility challenges due to multiple underlying issues affecting his balance.  

Less than a year earlier, he was unable to roll over in bed after a severe medical event involving a pinched nerve, spinal complications, multiple emergency department visits and surgery that led to a stay in a nursing facility.

He arrived at his first visit in a wheelchair with one goal: To dance again.

“I’ve always loved dancing but unfortunately had to stop because of my balance issues,” Larry said.

Under the care of Janine Fee, physical therapist at WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital, Larry committed himself fully to recovery. Janine has helped patients struggling with balance for the last 28 years and understands the importance of personalized care.

“I’ve learned over the years to really lean into what motivates patients and tailor therapy to their needs,” Janine said. “When Larry said he wanted to dance again, I knew we could incorporate that as a therapeutic strategy and have fun along the way.”  

Despite living alone, Larry stayed highly motivated through the support of friends and Janine’s encouragement.

Week by week, Larry made remarkable progress — moving from a wheelchair to a walker, then walking independently without a cane and ultimately regaining the ability to perform daily activities without difficulty. He attended therapy consistently and brought positivity to every session, often teaching Janine a few dance steps along the way. 

“We really taught each other every week,” Larry said. “Janine would test me with something new and I would teach her a dance step. It was so much fun.”

Larry’s visible improvements also inspired Janine and other patients throughout those several months of hard work.

“His progress encouraged me to do more,” Janine shared. “As Larry became more aware of his improvements, he became more motivated and excited to teach me more dance moves every week.”

On his final day of therapy, Larry and Janine celebrated in unforgettable fashion. Dressed in a tuxedo with his dance partner wearing a corsage, they danced together – symbolizing not only physical recovery, but the return of joy and identity as a dancer of 20 years.

“Rehabilitation can be challenging for some but Larry really embraced the process and it’s been so rewarding to not only see his physical improvements, but his confidence return as well,” Janine said. “Dancing with him was so fun – I dressed up for the occasion and we waltzed around the entire gym together. It was a special day.”

Now, Larry looks forward to attending his 54th high school reunion and continuing to embrace life fully.

“Working with Janine not only helped me physically, but mentally,” Larry said. “She gave me the courage to continue on and get back on my feet properly. She’s a lifelong friend and thanks to her, I’m looking for my next dance partner.”  

He’s currently doing renovations to his living room and made the easy decision to install hardwood floors – because life is a dance floor.

To learn more about WellSpan’s physical therapy programs, visit www.WellSpan.org.