A Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake Success Story: TCU Team Matches the Grit of Phyllis Bickford

Barb Hemberger • September 22, 2022

Transitional care units like the one at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake get cases of all kinds – people rehabbing from falls, fractures, joint replacements, UTIs, and strokes – but they had never had a patient with such a severe form of a rare disorder as they had earlier this year.



One morning this March, Phyllis Bickford, age 79, of Anoka, woke up to find that she couldn’t walk. She said her legs had become “like Jell-O.” Rushed by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, she became so weak that she couldn’t even hold her head up.


Doctors at first thought she had a bladder infection and low potassium, but eventually one physician researched the case, called in a neurologist to consult and diagnosed her with Guillain-Barré syndrome (pronounced Ghee-YAN Bah-RAY). This is a rare disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your hands and feet are usually the first symptoms.


Phyllis stayed at Mercy for one week and then was told she was going to need some serious therapy and the hospital social workers weren’t sure she was going to recover. But they worked to find a transitional care unit (TCU) that could care for this unique case. Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake was one of the few communities that had a rehab bed, and most importantly, felt they had the therapists to help Phyllis.


“We’ve had previous cases of Guillain-Barré, but this was the most severe we’ve seen,” said Kali Wachter, manager of rehab and wellness at Oxbow Lake, for Ascend Rehab (a unit of Saint Therese). “When Phyllis arrived at the TCU she was dependent upon caregivers for all her daily tasks and her mobility.”


From the get-go Phyllis was steadfast in her determination to walk out of the TCU. For the next 120 days, she worked with therapists (occupational and physical) twice a day to slowly get back functioning. Therapists used a variety of treatment approaches including electrical stimulation, strength training, neurological interventions and the use of a specialized gait training system.

“I loved the girls [therapists], but I hated to see them come,” said Phyllis. “They really work your butt off.”


At her side, every single day, all day, was her husband Don. Phyllis’ daughter visited in the evenings after work.



“It’s hard to put into words the amount of progress she made and her determination,” said Wachter. “Her improvement was so profound, and her therapists will never forget her. She put in the work.” In addition to the therapists, Wachter commended the entire interdisciplinary team for their help with Phyllis’ recovery, including social workers, nursing and dietary, to name a few.

Phyllis admitted she didn’t really know how bad her condition was. “Thank goodness, no one told me I was a challenge. I worked hard because my husband worked so hard throughout his life. I did it for me and I did it for him. I wasn’t going to waste it by acting like a baby and not doing what could help me.”


She said she made some really good friends among the staff at Oxbow Lake. “There are some wonderful people there. They really cared. They stuck to their guns and told me I could do it. They refused to give up. They’re not just doing their job, they’re getting involved.”

On July 8, Phyllis fulfilled the promise she made to herself and others and walked out of the TCU. She’s now at home, continuing to work on her recovery. She said she’s walking pretty good with a walker but can also do a bit of walking without it.


Her next goal is to walk down the aisle with her grandson for her granddaughter’s wedding in October.



Judging from the tenacity and grit she showed earlier this year, we have no doubt that it’s another promise she will keep.

Stay Connected


Search All Posts


About

At Saint Therese, our heartfelt purpose since 1968 has been a people first approach to living well by providing senior care and services where every life we touch feels welcomed, respected, and heard. We achieve this by doing ordinary things with extraordinary love every single day. Contact us to learn more. 

By Emily Milliren September 9, 2025
I’ve spent years looking into what really helps people age well. But what does “aging well” actually mean? For some, it’s keeping a sharp mind. For others, it’s staying physically active, living independently, or feeling connected to friends and family. The exact definition can be different for everyone—but there’s one thing they all have in common: the ability to keep moving. To age well, we need to keep our bodies moving—and not just from place to place, but through life with energy and purpose. And here’s the truth: movement doesn’t happen without strength. As we get older, keeping our muscles strong becomes even more important. This isn’t just about running marathons or lifting heavy weights. It’s about simple, everyday things—like carrying groceries, getting up from a chair, or catching yourself if you trip. When we lose strength, it’s easier to lose confidence, and we’re more likely to fall or get hurt. Muscle loss is common as we age, but it’s not something we have to accept as “just the way it is.” Every part of your body benefits from strength training, but let’s focus on two key players: your muscles and your bones. Our bodies are smart—they adapt to whatever we ask them to do. Challenge your muscles regularly, and they’ll get stronger. Ignore them, and they’ll get weaker. Bones work the same way. Activities that make your muscles and bones work—like resistance or weight-bearing exercises—help keep your bones strong and reduce your risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Strength training isn’t just for athletes; it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself at any age. And no, it’s not too late to start now. In physical therapy, we love sharing this knowledge—we’re not gatekeeping it. Building strength can help you live longer and better, and we know how to guide you safely. We understand how the body moves, heals, and responds when you gradually challenge it. We use proven methods to create a plan just for you—one that grows with you as you get stronger and more confident. Each session is a chance to check in, adjust, and move forward—whether your goal is walking without a cane, getting up from the floor, or enjoying your favorite hobby again. Physical therapy isn’t about telling you what you can’t do—it’s about showing you what you can do, and helping you get there, step by step. In the end, strength is freedom. It lets you move through the world with confidence, take care of yourself, and keep doing what makes life fun and meaningful. Maybe that’s playing with your grandkids, tending a garden, or walking into a room without worrying about falling. Whatever it is, strength gives you choices. At Ascend Rehab , we meet you where you are, listen to what matters most to you, and help you build the strength to make it happen. Aging well isn’t about pretending nothing changes—it’s about learning to adapt and keep going with purpose. And physical therapy can be a powerful partner in making that happen. Emily Milliren , PT, DPT, GCS, is a is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She’s been with Ascend Rehab since 2018.
By Barb Hemberger August 29, 2025
“There is no timetable for grief; it unfolds in its own way, in its own time.” – Unknown On August 30, we pause to honor Grief Awareness Day—a reminder that grief is both universal and deeply personal. At Saint Therese senior living communities, grief is not an abstract idea. It is woven into the daily lives of residents, families, and caregivers alike. To better understand this journey, we spoke with five of our pastoral care directors, who accompany people through life’s most difficult transitions. At Saint Therese, we are proud to have full-time pastoral care directors in our communities, ensuring that compassionate spiritual support is always present. Their reflections remind us that grief is not something to “get over,” but something to live with, honor, and grow through. Grief in Daily Life at Saint Therese Each director shared that grief extends beyond the moment of death. It includes the loss of independence, the decline of health, the move into senior living, or even the passing of a fellow resident or staff member. Duane Bauer of Saint Therese of Woodbury emphasized the importance of normalizing grief. “What would it be like if you didn’t grieve your spouse? We grieve because we were in relationship. A new normal has to come out of it.” His role, he says, is to listen more than talk, to walk alongside without judgment, and to create sacred moments of farewell such as “sacred sending” rituals for families and staff. John Ilkka at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake speaks about grief as a deeply personal and non-linear process. He emphasizes that there are no “magic words” to take away someone’s pain. Instead, his role is to listen, provide space, and reassure people that whatever they are feeling is valid. “The simplest thing is, whatever you’re feeling is ok. Grieving takes time, and it’s hard work,” he shared. For John, honoring grief means letting people lead the way—sometimes needing presence, sometimes needing space—and always being authentic. Beth O’Hare-Fisher at Saint Therese – IHM Senior Living often encounters grief during visits, when new residents open up about the loss of a spouse or sibling. She organizes Circles of Sharing, where residents gather to name and remember those who have died. For her, the key is acknowledging loss and affirming feelings without rushing the process. Mollie Dvorak of Saint Therese of Corcoran speaks passionately about anticipatory grief—the mourning that begins even before a loved one passes. She uses books like Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss, and The Invisible String to help residents and staff process emotions. For her, grief is not something to fix, but something to witness with compassion. Mary Lou Swinerton of Saint Therese St. Mary of the Woods adds that grief is a life event that encompasses the whole community. “It requires that we recognize that our Saint Therese community is bigger than our specific place. The entire community—residents, families, and staff—grieve. We must recognize this collective grief, name it, and honor it. It may be a sudden death of a resident’s son across the country, a memorial service for a resident’s loss, or even the bittersweet moment when someone leaves the community to be closer to family. Journeying with residents and staff in grieving means understanding that grief is not a one-size-fits-all event.” Together, these directors show us that grief is not just about endings—it is also about presence, memory, and care. Gentle Practices for Navigating Grief From these conversations, five guiding practices emerge: 1. Give Yourself Permission Grief doesn’t follow a timetable. It can show up as sadness, anger, relief, or even laughter. Whatever you’re feeling is valid. 2. Tell Your Story Sharing memories of a loved one keeps their presence alive. Whether in a support group, a circle of remembrance, or over coffee with a friend, storytelling helps heal. 3. Lean into Community As Duane noted, grief is less overwhelming when shared. Find a faith group, a grief support circle, or simply a trusted listener. 4. Practice Self-Care Grief can exhaust body, mind, and spirit. Be gentle with yourself. Rest, eat well, pray or meditate, and allow space for your own healing. 5. Embrace the “New Normal” Life after loss will not be the same—but in time, it can hold meaning again. The journey is not about “moving on,” but about moving forward. A Shared Journey At Saint Therese, grief is not something to be avoided. It is something to be honored—with listening ears, compassionate presence, and rituals of remembrance. As our pastoral care directors remind us, grief is a sign of love, and love always has the final word.
By Barb Hemberger July 29, 2025
At Saint Therese of Woodbury , a unique group of residents gathers twice a year not just to sing—but to connect, inspire, and celebrate the joy of music. The Saint Therese of Woodbury Choir, the only choir across all Saint Therese communities, offers two one-hour concerts each year—one in December with a Christmas theme, and a second during the summer. This year's summer performance, held in June, was called “ Music from the Movies ” and featured beloved classics including Que Sera Sera, The Bare Necessities, Tuxedo Junction and Singin’ in the Rain. Residents and guests filled the chapel for a heartwarming program filled with nostalgia, harmony, and connection. Founded in 2018 by Therese Stecher , a lifelong pianist and retired critical care nurse, the Woodbury choir started with just 10 members and has now grown to 24 dedicated singers. “The biggest fear people have is they haven’t sung in so long, they think they can’t do it,” Stecher says. “But the muscles that control the vocal cords—you just need to work them.” Stecher arranges each songbook specifically for aging voices and emphasizes that this is not simply a singalong group. “We’re here to learn a show,” she says. “The expectations are high, but the reward is even greater.” The choir practices for months before each performance.