When the 2024 holiday season arrived, Dr. Richard Schroekenstein never imagined the journey ahead.

What started as a minor discomfort in his foot quickly became something far more serious. After initial concerns of cellulitis, Richard was later diagnosed with Charcot foot, a condition that weakens the bones due to nerve damage. Despite the diagnosis, he tried to carry on with his usual winter plans. But as the pain worsened and a skin ulcer over the ankle developed, those plans, and his independence, began to slip away.

When he returned to Pennsylvania from his other residence in Palm Springs, California, Richard’s condition declined rapidly. Simple daily routines became overwhelming, and he knew he couldn’t safely live alone. With guidance from his physician, Dr. David Williams, Wesbury’s Medical Director, Richard made the decision to come to Cribbs Residential Center for support.

That decision may have saved his life.

Within days, Wesbury’s nursing team recognized the severity of his condition. With a worsening ulcer and fever, Richard was sent to the hospital—where he became septic. After treatment in Erie, he returned to Wesbury’s Grace Rehabilitation and Health Center, where a difficult reality set in: amputation was necessary.

“As a doctor, I understood the decision,” Richard shared. “But emotionally, I needed time.”

With the support of close friends and his care team, Richard made the courageous choice to move forward. On August 1, 2025, he underwent surgery.

What followed was an uphill climb—but he didn’t climb it alone.

After beginning rehabilitation in Erie, Richard chose to return to Wesbury, where the Symbria Rehab Team worked closely with him and Tammy McElhinny, his prosthetist and owner of Meadville’s Me Again Boutique, to help him regain mobility and confidence with his new prosthetic limb. Step by step, he progressed—eventually returning to his apartment at Cribbs and continuing therapy with one goal in mind: getting home.

And he did….

According Symbria Rehab staff, “Richard is a real success story, we are so happy for him.”

“If I’m being honest, when I went to Wesbury, I didn’t know if I would make it home,” Richard said. “It was a challenging journey, and Wesbury was there for me when I needed Wesbury to be there. They are great people and a great team.”

Stories like Richard’s are a testament to resilience, trust, and the power of compassionate care.

At Wesbury, moments like these happen because of a dedicated team, innovative rehabilitation, and a community that surrounds each resident with support when they need it most. If you or a loved one is facing a health challenge or if you want to learn more about the care and services available, we invite you to connect with us.

Discover how Wesbury can be there for you—every step of the way. To find out more visit www.wesbury.com or phone 813-332-9000.