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Unity Health Inpatient Physical Rehabilitation has helped a ‘walking miracle’ regain his strength and mobility after a life-altering accident. Gordon “Buster” Guffy was en route to Nashville, Tenn., on March 23, 2024, when he struck a pothole that catapulted him more than 200 feet from his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Guffy’s wife, Stephanie, explained from witnesses that fellow drivers rallied together to create a barrier, stopping the highway traffic, and helping Guffy fight for his life. “Stay with me brother,” one of the men said as he was prepared to be airlifted to a Nashville hospital.

Stephanie received the news of the accident from a White County police officer who came to her home. Immediately sharing the details with her family members, she left for Nashville. She now says she barely remembers taking the trip to the medical center, along with her daughter, to be by her husband’s side.

Unrecognizable, Stephanie said her husband’s tattoo revealed his identity, causing the harrowing experience to become all too real. The Nashville healthcare entity determined Buster had a brain bleed, multiple broken bones, a blood clot, a severe concussion, and he sustained contusions all over his body.

Stephanie brought her husband back home to Judsonia and after their arrival he began receiving treatment at Unity Health Inpatient Physical Rehabilitation at the Unity Health – Specialty Care campus in Searcy. Unable to remember the accident, he was unaware of the severity of his situation. He shares that upon his original admittance he was belligerent, irritable and unable to recognize himself.

While in rehab, the couple celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary. The two share four children and five grandchildren. As they supported one another through the physical rehabilitation process, Buster has continued to improve cognitively and physically. With the assistance of his extensive care team, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, physicians, social workers and case managers, Buster is able to receive advanced, compassionate care, close to home.

“If I didn’t have them, I wouldn’t be where I am,” Buster said. “They keep an eye on everything and look out for my best interest.”

Buster has undergone multiple types of therapy, working with the team to increase his confidence and abilities. He will continue outpatient rehabilitation following his release.

Those on his care team, including Roddy Lochala, D.O., said they have enjoyed helping Buster reach his goals. “I have loved participating in the care of Mr. Guffy,” Lochala said. “He brings a great attitude and effort into the rehab gym daily. He is determined to reach his maximum capacity for health. Our rehab nurses, therapists, and teammates provide him with all the tools and encouragement he needs for success.”

From spending days in an intensive care unit, to now being able to stand and walk on his own, Buster has grown in strength, patience and grit. Having overcome so much, he is grateful to return home.