It was not what she expected. Working full-time at a county hospital in Dallas and planning her wedding, Melissa Zawisza’s busy life came to a sudden halt when she experienced a cardiac arrest. She also had an anoxic brain injury. There were troubling signs. Shortly after returning from her bachelorette party, Melissa thought she had a minor chest cold. On February 4, 2018, Melissa felt pain in her leg and was out of breath after a dinner with her parents. Later that night, she collapsed getting out of bed.
Melissa was immediately taken to the ICU and placed in a medically induced coma for nearly three weeks. Despite little hope, Melissa woke up on February 22nd and began acute rehabilitation at the hospital. Two weeks later, Melissa was discharged and returned home.
On March 26, Melissa began outpatient rehabilitation therapy at the Centre for Neuro Skills’ (CNS) Fort Worth clinic. Her injury affected her memory, vision, speech and mobility, but she was determined to regain her independence.
“I wasn’t used to being a patient, I was used to being the provider. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Melissa reflected.
Melissa attended intensive neurorehabilitation therapy five days a week, using CNS’ transportation services to take her to and from home. For six months, Melissa focused on improving her cognitive function, strengthening her leg muscles, correcting her vision and redeveloping her speech abilities. Weekly drumming groups, swimming and yoga classes, and bonding with fellow patients at the clinic created a positive rehabilitation environment that fueled her progress.
“As Melissa regained her confidence, her counselor side reemerged and she encouraged other patients around her,” recalls Whitney Chumbley, Melissa’s physical therapist. Whitney worked closely with Melissa to improve her balance, coordination and mobility leading up to Melissa’s wedding day.
While Melissa worked on her recovery, her family and friends stepped in to continue wedding planning. The wedding was rescheduled to November 3rd, and thanks to her determination and her therapy, she walked down the aisle just six weeks after CNS discharged her.
“The CNS team was amazing; they got me to my wedding day,” said Melissa.
A year after her injury, Melissa returned to work to help trauma survivors. In August 2020, Melissa opened her own private practice in Arlington, TX, specializing in anxiety and trauma therapy. That same year, she and her husband also bought their first home.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to start my own business, and it’s been the best decision I’ve made,” she said.
Today, Melissa and her husband enjoy traveling together, and she can drive independently – a testament to her recovery and resilience. As a business owner and therapist, Melissa now dedicates her life to helping others while proving that with determination and support, it’s possible to achieve your dreams.
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