A relationship built on compassion and great care: Rock Valley Physical Therapy will always be there for Gary “Blue’’ Hendren

It is 12:30 p.m. on a muggy and wind-swept summer Sunday. 

A young man, dressed in his baseball uniform and playing catch approximately 200 feet away, sees the 92-year-old male carrying his trusty – and crusty – lawn chair at the end of a nearby parking area. 

Forgetting that a baseball is being thrown in his direction, the player darts toward the elder statesman, reaches him, then politely takes the chair from his hands. 

“Sorry, “Blue"’’, he says sheepishly to the man. “I didn’t see you pull up.’’ 

“Blue’’ as he is affectionately known, quickly puts the teen at ease and thanks him for carrying his well-worn (old habits and trusty/crusty chairs die hard) lawn chair to where he will sit – and keep score – for the next three hours. 

The young man hollers to his teammates: “Blue’s here, guys.’’ 

Immediately, a loud chorus of “BLUUUUUUUUUUUE’’ erupts from the crowd of players and coaches. All rush to greet him as he sets his chair just outside the first base dugout. It must be noted, outside the dugout is where “Blue’’ dangerously operates each game unless forced by umpires inside the dugout. 

Calling “Blue’’ fearless would understate his approach to life. 

Like he has for nearly seven decades – first as a youth baseball umpire and now as the official scorekeeper for Rock Island High School and Rock Island Post 200 (American Legion Baseball) – Gary “Blue’’ Hendren is doing his best to positively mold the minds – and hearts – of young men. 

Across the state of Illinois and at various outposts across Iowa, Hendren is respected for all he has given to the game and the youth of the community. The admiration so many have for him extends far beyond the Quad Cities and his Rock Island, Il., home. Hendren is kind, thoughtful, gracious, yet fiercely loyal to those nearest – and dearest – to him. 

And respected by all. 

Having Hendren around his players is a boost on numerous fronts for Rock Island High School and Rock Island Legion head coach, Jake Scudder. 

“Blue has been an integral part of our program since the day he joined us,’’ Scudder said, chuckling when it was brought to his attention that Hendren – dangerously –  prefers outside the dugout rather than inside, something he has done in his stops as the official scorer for United Township High School, Alleman High School, and now for Rock Island High School and American Legion Post 200. 

“He has become a fixture in Quad Cities baseball, whether he is with Rock Island, Alleman or Rock Island Legion,’’ Scudder added. “His love for the game and genuine care for our players are second to none. More than that, Blue brings a steady, calming influence to the field every day – an energy our kids feed off – and one that makes everyone around him better. We are incredibly grateful for everything he means to our programs.’’ 

Along the way to age 92 and remaining independent, Hendren has called on – and trusted to the letter – therapists at Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s 43rd Ave. Moline clinic to help navigate his way through a variety of health-related issues. 

“I don’t know where I would be without Ashley (Schurr, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS),’’ said Hendren, who used to regularly shoot his age in golf, has a hole-in-one to his credit, and also a perfect 300 game in bowling. “She has always been there to get me through whatever I am dealing with. It’s been a lot of years with Ashley taking care of me and she is the absolute best. She’s family to my wife, Joyce, and I. She helped us understand the insurance part of therapy and through the loss of a loved one (grandson). And Sam (Long, PT, DPT), is another good one that has been there as well.’’ 

Ever-gifted, compassionate, and knowledgeable, Schurr’s relationship – and work to better Hendren’s life – has spanned the length of her physical therapy career. 

“Gary was one of my first patients nearly 15 years ago when I saw him for his first TKA (total knee arthroplasty/replacement)," Schurr said. “We hit it off, and he then returned for his second TKA. Over the years I have seen Gary on and off for various diagnoses including low back pain and balance.’’ 

In addition to a full social calendar, Hendren still drives, golfs and bowls regularly. His fight to remain independent when physical issues arise – and do things that have always come naturally to him – are vital to his longevity. Having Schurr there all these years is a big reason Hendren is going strong at 92. 

“Gary is the star patient, always looking for a challenge,’’ Schurr said. “I have had him doing exercises that some of my (decades younger) athletes would do. He always does exactly what is prescribed of him, and I never have to worry about him being compliant with his home exercise program. I hope to age with the same energy, character, and outlook that Gary demonstrates. Despite some health issues, he always works hard to maintain his ability to perform the activities that he loves. There are people half his age who can't do the things he does. I attribute this to his work ethic and positive outlook on life.’’ 

Knowing that help is just a short drive away, has eased Hendren’s mind when he faces a physical challenge. 

“I love and trust Rock Valley,’’ Hendren said. ‘It’s easy when you have someone like Ashley. She is the best at what she does, challenges me, and knows exactly what she is doing. I have trusted her for a lot of things over a lot of years. And Sam, he is great as well. He listens and understands what I need to get better.’’ 

Recently, Hendren has been struggling with low back pain, leg weakness, and decreased endurance, turning Long for help. 

“Gary told me he was getting tired when he walks more than six blocks and he wanted to increase his endurance to get to and from his car to baseball games without getting so tired,’’ Long said, marveling at Hendren’s ability, desire and will to exercise as much as he does, calling special attention to his daily six-block walks. 

“Gary does everything he is asked exactly how he is asked,’’ Long added. “He provides great insight into his goals and what he wants to work on in therapy to keep himself moving as much as he currently is. He is a great example of how we tailor care to what is important to a person, not just to their age. His lifestyle is much more active than many men his age.’’ 

Long says Hendren is goal-driven and determined and marvels at his commitment to play such a vital role in the lives of young people he surrounds himself with. 

“He is still such a pillar in his community,’’ Long said. “When asked at our first session what was important to him and what he needed to get back to, I was quite shocked at how packed his weekly schedule is. Gary is willing to work exceptionally hard to keep himself moving and do all the things he loves. He understands that things may not come as easy as they did 60 years ago but he is still willing to work as hard as necessary to do what he enjoys.’’ 

Hendren, Long says, is an absolute joy to work with. 

“Gary is soft spoken and exceptionally kind with a great sense of humor,’’ Long said. “Each time I have seen him, he has made time in the session to ask how I am doing as well as my family. He is one of those patients I received more than I gave at the end of an appointment.’’ 

One of the wonderful things about life as a physical therapist is the relationships established with patients. Schurr says Hendren is special on many fronts. 

“Gary has a quiet kindness,’’ said Schurr, ever-gifted, compassionate, and knowledgeable. “He is not the most outspoken person in the room but leaves a lasting impression through his compassion and hard work.  He and his wife, Joyce, will leave me voicemails on holidays, wishing me a "Merry Christmas" or “Happy Thanksgiving.’’ They go above and beyond to make people feel special."

“Gary is one of my favorite patients,’’ continued Schurr. “Over 10 years ago, I attended Gary's 80th birthday party. Then Gary had an appointment scheduled for his 90th birthday – talk about dedication.  He is the kind of person that you want to celebrate, so we threw him a birthday party in the clinic.  We had balloons, cake, cards, and a clinic-wide singing of “Happy Birthday.’’  Not everyone gets to celebrate a 90th birthday, especially one in which his therapy session included high level balance activities, so we wanted him to know how special he is.’’ 

And special is what Gary “Blue’’ Hendren is all about.

By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller