A patient story

Dwayne's story

Dwayne came to Chaim after months on a ventilator. Together, step by step, they rebuilt everything, until he crossed the finish line of a 5K.

Dwayne outside the hospital in a wheelchair, on oxygen through a nasal cannula, smiling at the camera — November 2021 · still on oxygen, soon to be discharged from the hospital

Dwayne found himself on a ventilator, trapped in a coma. Months went by. When he finally emerged, his body had forgotten the things most of us never think about: standing, walking, drawing a full breath on his own.

Then he met Chaim.

For months, they worked together. Relearning how to walk, one step at a time. Strengthening exercises to rebuild what illness had taken. Breathing exercises, and slowly, patiently, weaning off the oxygen.

Progress came not in weeks, but in small, hard-won victories. Each one built on the last, in the place Dwayne was most comfortable: his own home.

Until he was finally ready for a 5K.

Dwayne crossing the finish line of a 5K, race number 255, both arms raised, with Chaim Backman beside him — Race day · number 255, Chaim pacing Dwayne to the finish line

Dwayne and Chaim Backman after the race, both wearing finisher medals, Dwayne holding his up to the camera — Chaim and Dwayne at the finish · May 14, 2023

What began on a ventilator ended at a starting line. Dwayne's recovery is a testament to patience, persistence, and the difference that intensive, personal care can make. At home, one step at a time.

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