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Jefferson House makes wedding dream come true for rehab patient

November 27, 2018

The bride looked ethereal as she practically floated down the aisle, beaming brightly. However, one guest wore an even bigger smile: her grandmother, Helen Piersa. To capture the joyous occasion, photographs were taken in the gardens with the generations gathered around the senior member of the family to celebrate not only the wedding but the fact that she was there.

It was first thought that Mrs. Piersa wouldn’t be able to attend her granddaughter’s Sept. 8 wedding in Farmington. Her very active life had come to a screeching halt when she had a stroke in July. Before then, the 91-year-old was living independently, even driving herself to the grocery store and senior center to meet friends.

Life had abruptly changed. Following her hospital stay, Mrs. Piersa became a short-term rehabilitation resident at Jefferson House, which the family knew had an excellent reputation for care. Since she arrived, she has been undergoing extensive physical, occupational and speech therapy.

As the wedding drew nearer, Executive Director Susan Vinal and Michele Ambruso-Turf, MSW, director of Social Work, knew they had to make it possible for Mrs. Piersa to be there for the special day. Family ensured she had the perfect dress and the Jefferson House hairstylist styled her hair beautifully. Jefferson House also provided transportation for Mrs. Piersa who was accompanied by Myrtle Williams, certified nursing assistant.

When the “I-dos” were exchanged between Adam and Cynthia Seifert, the bride’s grandmother couldn’t have been happier. “It was a special day for mom. She looked great and was so happy to see the ceremony,” said Robert Piersa Sr., father of the bride. Jefferson House made that happen, he said.

“Jefferson House is thrilled to be able to help our residents and patients via our Dream Maker Program to be a part of very special and personal events like this that otherwise might not have been possible,” said Susan Vinal, Jefferson House executive director. “Those who helped contribute to funding for this program would be very pleased.”

Jefferson House, located at 1 John H. Stewart Drive, offers short-term/outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing and palliative care. For more information about Jefferson House, visit http://jeffersonhouse.org.