After a sudden life‑threatening heart complication, Eric Holmes found himself unable to walk and facing an uncertain future. Guided by determination — and his care team in inpatient rehabilitation — he began the journey back to independence and the life he loves.
At 66, Eric Holmes was diagnosed with coronary artery disease, a condition that limits blood supply to the heart due to plaque buildup.
The news carried extra weight, given a family history already defined by heart disease. He lost his mother, father and three brothers — all of whom passed away before age 60 from heart-related complications.
Five years after his diagnosis, he was managing his condition, or so he thought.
“I went back to my cardiologist for an echocardiogram, and everything was great,” Eric said. “Afterward, I went back home to work in my son's garage. Thursday night, I experienced pain in the top of my head, and I was taken to the emergency room. I don't remember much after that until I woke up nine or 10 days later in the hospital in Boston.”
Eric had suffered from an aortic rupture, a life‑threatening condition involving the main blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Choosing inpatient rehabilitation
They did save Eric, but he was extremely weak and had limited mobility after his extended hospital stay. He needed cardiac rehabilitation to get him back to his family and home.
Eric knew his recovery would be challenging. He also had inclusion body myositis, a degenerative muscle disease that causes chronic weakness and inflammation.
He chose Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of New England in Woburn, Massachusetts for his recovery. He had one goal in mind when he arrived: to walk again and return home to his family.
“When I got to Encompass Health, I was afraid because I thought my family would leave me there and never come back,” he said. “I wasn't happy, and it wasn't a place where I wanted to be, but that quickly changed when I met my care team.”
Building trust with his care team
On his first day at Encompass Health, Eric met Lauren Beecher, his physical therapist, and Emma Sanchez, his occupational therapist.
“I was in the hospital for about four weeks,” he said. “I couldn't walk or do anything. When I got to Encompass Health, Emma came in to give me a shower, and they really helped me. They got me in and out of the shower, and that made a difference.”
Because of his muscular disease, Lauren focused heavily on improving his balance and posture.
“I worked with him a lot on regaining his strength to walk,” Lauren said. “I came up with innovative ways for him to stand and sit. He worked really hard, and some days were challenging, but his faith and determination pushed him through. His family played a huge part in his recovery, and that made an incredible difference.”
Eric said every day was a challenge, but seeing his wife at his side made those days easier.
“I pushed and pushed during therapy sessions because I didn't want to be there any longer than I had to,” Eric said. “Because of my care team, I was willing to stay as long as I needed. I went from not being able to get out of my bed on my own to finally getting in a wheelchair and eventually taking more than 12 steps.”
Emma and Lauren said Eric was determined to get better, even during moments when his blood pressure dropped and he needed additional support because of mobility challenges — experiences that ultimately strengthened their bond.
“On challenging days, we talked openly about his care and how he could continue to improve,” Emma said. “He made so much progress throughout his recovery, and he knew we believed in him and that he could do it. We were honest with each other, and he felt comfortable coming to us with concerns or questions.”
Preparing for discharge day
With the support of his care team and family, Eric knew that he could achieve his goals. He also made a point to encourage fellow patients along the way.
“There were a lot of patients, and I learned quick that it wasn't all about me,” he said. “I tried to encourage everyone I came in contact with.”
When Eric wasn't in therapy sessions, he often watched patients discharging from his second-floor window — a view that fueled his determination.
“I was just looking, waiting and working on my turn,” he said. “I even picked out my discharge song, 'Somebody Prayed for Me,' because it was a true testament to my life and everything that I had gone through in recovery.”
Transitioning back home
Upon discharge, Eric walked out of the hospital with the assistance of a walker and his care team. He was thrilled to be leaving just in time to spend Father's Day with his wife, children and grandchildren.
“I was excited to get back home to my family,” he said. “I made a promise to myself that I would walk out of here, and I did. My care team and wife supported me every step of the way, and it was a great feeling.”
Standing in the hall cheering him on was Emma and the entire hospital staff.
“I was so excited for him,” Emma said. “He worked hard to get to this moment, and he is truly an inspiration. It's patients like Eric who really make you proud of the work you do at Encompass Health.”
As he walked outside with his family at his side, Eric was greeted with a surprise from his best friend — a limousine ride home.
Returning to Encompass Health to accomplish a final goal
Eric accomplished his final goal when he returned to Encompass Health after his discharge to visit his care team.
“My wife had an appointment in Boston, and I realized Encompass Health wasn't too far away,” he said. “I told my girls, Emma and Lauren, that I would be back to see them soon. I did just that, and it was great to see them again. I believe God placed them in my life to help me recover.”
Eric said the level of care his team provided was remarkable, and he could not thank them enough for what they did for him and his family.
Erica Taylor
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