A better environment creates a life.

a hockey-puck sized pump, which must be refilled every five to six weeks, into Wolfe’s abdomen to release medicine into her spine.

“It doesn’t make it so you can run again, but it makes it so you can have legs that are straight and bend again. Muscles relaxed enough so they can work,” Wolfe said.

Without ITB, Wolfe may have ended up in a “nursing home curled up in a ball.” Instead she continued to improve.

“Kay has put in the work and continues to do so with ITB Therapy, walking daily and inspiring others with her positive spirit,” Shepherd Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Yochelson said.

Now they turn to her to help others along.

“When the Shepherd Center physicians and therapists have a case who’s struggling emotionally or has lots of questions – they’ll bring me in. I show how to put on a shirt. Sometimes it takes me three times. But I do it, because I will not be beaten by this,” Wolfe said.

She even started a web design and digital marketing business with a former colleague.

“We knew a number of small businesses that needed a website, but dang it they just want to make cupcakes, or brew beer or sell plants. So, we do that for them,” Wolfe said.

Still, Wolfe is not sure what all the fuss is about and humbly wonders why we are the better for hearing her story.

“I’m just doing the best I can with what I’ve got. Just because you’ve had a stroke and ended up in a wheelchair or with a limp, there may still be hope. I’m handicapped, so accept that – and how are you going to live this way?” Wolfe said.