Marion’s story: A marathon runner’s path to recovery in inpatient rehabilitation

Marion Jones, an avid runner, loved logging miles and pushing her limits until an unexpected burning sensation stopped her in her tracks. What began as minor discomfort quickly escalated into severe back pain. It forced the seasoned runner to step away from the sport she loved and seek medical care.

Diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder

Her physician initially suspected multiple sclerosis, a condition that affects the central nervous system. However, her symptoms continued to worsen.

Marion had a persistent headache that lasted for several months. Seeking answers, she decided to get a second opinion. She was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a rare autoimmune disorder often misdiagnosed as MS. This condition affects the optic nerves and the spinal cord.

Not long after her diagnosis, she was back in the hospital unable to move the right side of her body.

Choosing inpatient rehabilitation for recovery

Once her condition stabilized, Marion needed extensive treatment to regain her strength and independence. Marion went from running multiple 5Ks to losing the ability to walk — a shift that changed her outlook on life.

Entering recovery alone, Marion didn’t know what to expect. Once she arrived at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of New England for inpatient rehabilitation, her care team treated her like family, she said, and set her on a path to success.

Learning to walk again after partial paralysis

Recovering from partial paralysis was a challenge, but Marion was determined to regain her strength to walk and one day run again. She completed three hours of therapy, five days a week with occupational and physical therapists.

This intensive therapy helped Marion regain her strength and prepared her for the journey ahead.

In just a short time, Marion pushed her limits, progressing from a wheelchair to walking with the support of parallel bars and eventually using a walker. With the support of her care team, she was able to walk short distances by the time she was discharged.

Continued recovery at home

After discharge, Marion continued outpatient therapy to regain her independence. She carried with her the guidance and techniques she learned from her care team at Encompass Health, building the strength and endurance needed to push herself each day.

Marion gradually returned to running, starting with just 30 seconds on the treadmill. That small step helped rebuild her confidence and reignite her passion for what she loved most — running.

Training for the Boston Marathon

As her strength improved, Marion increased her distance and pace. With each step forward, her confidence grew stronger. What once felt impossible became her next goal: running the Boston Marathon.

She accomplished that goal and completed the 26.2 miles and fulfilled her lifetime goal of completing all six World Marathon Majors.