When Sarah Altland fell down the stairs in her home early one June morning, she had no idea how close she had come to losing some of her independence.  

The fall left Sarah with multiple serious injuries, including fractures in her neck and spine. One of those injuries caused a tear in an artery that resulted in a stroke. Doctors later told her she was mere fractions of an inch away from paralysis.  

Today, four months later, Sarah is walking, caring for herself and helping her sons return to college.

"It's a miracle," she said. "I couldn't have asked for a better outcome."  

Expert care when every decision matters

Sarah was rushed to WellSpan York Hospital, home to the region's only Level I Trauma Center, where specialists quickly recognized the complexity of her injuries.  Her care team, led by neurosurgeon Dr. Nicholas Caffes, carefully evaluated every option before moving forward with surgery.

"They didn't rush into anything," Sarah said. "They were trying to do whatever they could to give me the most mobility and the best possible outcome."  

For several days, the team explored alternatives before determining surgery offered the safest path forward. During an eight-hour procedure, Dr. Caffes repaired and stabilized her injuries while preserving as much function as possible.  

"Every injury is different, and every patient is different," said Dr. Caffes. "Our job is to take the time to understand each person's goals, explain their options and create a treatment plan that gives them the best chance to return to the life they love."

"They were always honest with us," said Sarah's husband, Shad. "Every step of the way, we knew they were making decisions based on what was best for Sarah."

Sarah, Dr. Caffes and Shad celebrating after one of Sarah’s initial check in appointments. 

A recovery that exceeded expectations

The weeks that followed brought steady progress. Sarah quickly advanced through physical therapy, graduated from occupational and speech therapy ahead of schedule and embraced every opportunity to regain strength and confidence.  

Just six weeks after her injury, she completed a mile-long walk. Today, she spends her days cooking, cleaning, exercising and continuing her recovery at home.  

"The biggest thing is that I still have my independence," she said. "I'm just so grateful."  

That gratitude was especially evident recently as she helped her sons move back to college, a milestone she once worried she might miss.

"A few weeks earlier, I didn't know how I was going to be doing," she said. "Now I'm able to be there with them. That's something I don't take for granted."  

Investing in the future of neurological care

Sarah's story is one example of the advanced neuroscience, neurosurgical and trauma services available at WellSpan York Hospital today. It also reflects WellSpan's continued commitment to growing access to specialized care across the region.

Through the WellSpan York Hospital expansion project currently underway, WellSpan is further investing in the future of neuroscience and specialty care services, helping ensure more patients can access leading-edge treatment, advanced technology and expert clinical teams close to home.

For Sarah and her family, those resources made all the difference.

"To have this level of care right here in our backyard is incredible," said Shad. "You never think you'll need it until you do.”

A new perspective

As she continues to heal, Sarah isn't focused on what could have happened. She's focused on what comes next.

"I feel like I have a new lease on life," she said. "The care team gave me the chance to keep living the life I love, and I'll always be grateful for that."

Learn more about WellSpan's expert  neurology and neurosurgical services.