This is a love story.
It is a husband-and-wife team of 51 years, amazing together, fiercely dedicated to one another, working feverishly to continue the life they have shared.
“My beloved,’’ the brilliant, longtime Doctor of Chiropractic, says of his bride, nearly bringing her to tears.
Their story, successful on countless fronts, is not void of true-to-life struggles. Cancer and orthopedic issues for her, who despite physical battles of her own, is an upbeat dynamo and full of optimistic and humorous fresh air.
Today, though, and every day going forward, Karen Waurzyniak-Hogg’s mission is Dr. Jim Hogg’s fight.
Dr. Hogg battles primary progressive aphasia, a rare nervous system syndrome affecting his memory and ability to find words and express certain thoughts. Primary progressive aphasia is a type of frontotemporal dementia.
A wonderful team, the Hogg’s refuse to shy from the battle before them. Courageously they sought help, but more importantly, the right help, a Rock Valley therapist armed with the tools and resources to make for a better tomorrow.
Sharing their battle is Kylie Lucas, M.S., CCC-SLP, a life-changing speech/language therapist at Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Davenport, Iowa-based 53rd Street Clinic. Compassionate, caring, and knowledgeable, the forever-upbeat Lucas left no stone unturned in her mission to help the Hoggs.
A member of the International College of Applied Kinesiology and a board-certified teaching Diplomate in Applied Kinesiology, Dr. Hogg was once one of less than 100 diplomates worldwide in Applied Kinesiology.
Six years ago, he began struggling to remember. Names at first, objects thereafter, specific items that were second nature to him. A decorated author in his field, reading has forever been second nature to Dr. Hogg. Recently, that has become a struggle.
With Karen Waurzyniak-Hogg firmly by her husband’s side, the two longtime fans – personally and professionally of Rock Valley Physical Therapy – engaged with Lucas, outstanding in her approach.
“Let’s go back for a moment,’’ Karen Waurzyniak-Hogg said. “Our (chiropractic) office was just a couple of doors down from Rock Valley’s office on 35th Street in Davenport. And we introduced ourselves and established a relationship with Becky Burke, PT, DPT, GCS, this amazing therapist. Well, after a couple falls, some arm and knee issues for me, we found out firsthand just how great Becky is. Send the chiropractor’s wife and you get the true test. She is creative and inventive, great to work with. The real surprise is finding out she is here (53rd clinic manager). She and Kylie are amazing.’’
Having Lucas in their corner, showing many fact-based methods to inspire Dr. Hogg’s memory, has been huge for the Hoggs. Where Lucas truly shines, though, is her patient-first approach. She is tolerant and willing to exhaust all options to assist Dr. Hogg. Her ability to roll with whatever challenges become known is exceptional.
On the outside, there are no bad days with Kylie Lucas.
“Getting a firm diagnosis on Jim helped significantly,’’ Lucas said of Dr. Hogg. “It allowed me an opportunity to put together a plan and it gave Jim and Karen a baseline from which to work.’’
Lucas has come to rely on an Augmentative and Alternative Device (AAC), an iPad with a variety of navigational items to help Hogg recall names, objects, and record his own voice, an option to which he responds exceptionally well.
“It helps greatly to hear my own voice when it comes to recognition,’’ said Dr. Hogg, who on this day, did exceptionally well with the help of photo and verbal prompts, and AAC recognition.
The AAC is a game-changing tool for Dr. Hogg.
“I’m good with conversation, but need help with names,’’ added Dr. Hogg, who – with Lucas guiding him – went through a series of commonly recognizable items on this day. “What we do here has helped greatly. It’s frustrating because of names, but the (AAC) device helps tremendously. Kylie is outstanding. Even when I’m having a not-so-good day.”
What the future holds for Dr. Hogg is not clear. But today, thanks to Lucas, Rock Valley and his “beloved,’’ has the makings of a good day.
“We have tools in place for now,’’ Lucas said. “And we will have tools in place if things get worse. We will continue to do whatever the situation calls for. Having Jim and Karen dedicated to each other and all we can do for him is a tremendous plus. They are amazing people.’’
The Hoggs dialed into a support group to help along the way, have the backing of family and have each other. Karen Waurzyniak-Hogg is a meticulous note-taker during Dr. Hogg’s work with Lucas and is dedicated each day to do whatever she can for “beloved.’’
“Jim put his issues on hold while I was fighting major health issues of my own,’’ she said. “It’s my time to concentrate on helping him.’’
And with that, Karen Waurzyniak-Hogg smiled, gently placed her right hand on her husband’s shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile only two people who have shared a lifetime together could understand.
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller