Ruby McCormick’s healthcare journey began more than a year ago when she was diagnosed with diverticulitis, causing severe abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. Despite returning home from the hospital on antibiotics, she unfortunately did not improve. In and out of hospitals, Ruby eventually required surgery that led to complications of an abscess, wound dehiscence, and a colostomy. She stayed at a skilled nursing facility before returning home.

Eventually, Ruby had surgery to reverse the colostomy. Unfortunately, it was followed by additional medical complications, including wound-healing issues and difficulty keeping food down. Long-term antibiotics, wound care, and enteral nutrition via an IV were needed to help improve her condition. Ruby was transferred to a long-term acute care hospital for her continued medical needs. While there, her husband of 67 years passed away from cancer.

Once Ruby was medically stable, she was referred to Trustpoint Rehabilitation Hospital of Lubbock (TRHL) for rehabilitative care. She remembers starting her rehabilitation journey with “no will to live” due to the devastating loss of her husband and her continued illness.

However, Ruby’s outlook quickly changed when she met one of her nurses. The nurse shared her personal story of triumph with Ruby, “Don’t worry about tomorrow,” her nurse said. “Think about what you can do at this minute. Your life is worth living, and you have to take one day at a time.” She gave Ruby hope.

“After about a week of being at the TRHL, God answered all of the prayers said for me,” Ruby says. “I was able to start eating better, and I could keep food down.” From that point forward, she began to get stronger with her therapies and treatments, soon being discharged home.

Today, Ruby strives to be active daily and makes quilts for her family, including two sons, a daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Having previously made custom drapes for 35 years, she continues with her talent in making things for others. She says she realizes she has much love to give and a lot of life left to live!