Thriving not just Surviving

Recent Siskin Hospital patient Ariyah Isaac was just starting to settle into her new home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, when a seemingly mild car accident started her on a challenging, and at times frightening, journey to recovery.

On May 2, 2025, Ariyah was riding in the back seat of a lifted vehicle when it was rear-ended. She walked away from the accident and was discharged from the emergency room the same day. At the time, Ariyah thought that she would just be dealing with soreness for a few days, but as time went on, her pain only continued to get worse.

By the time Ariyah returned to the emergency room on May 13th, her pain was intolerable, and she had begun to lose feeling in her right side, unable to hold on to anything in her right hand. After a series of tests, an MRI revealed multiple demyelinating brain lesions, some old and some brand new.

Demyelinating brain lesions are areas where the protective coating around nerve fibers in the brain are damaged. This damage, most commonly seen in conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), can block nerve signals, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms. Prior to the car accident, Ariyah had already been suffering from back pain and stiffness, which may have been early signs of the condition.

“I just kept thinking, this can’t be it. I’m only 30-years-old, I have more life to live,” Ariyah said.

After spending a week in the hospital receiving IV treatments, Ariyah was admitted to Siskin Hospital to begin rebuilding her strength, endurance, and fine motor skills. When she started inpatient therapy, she could barely walk and couldn’t grasp anything in her dominate hand.

On her first day working with Rachel Allen, PTA, Ariyah recalls not only the kindness shown to her, but the healing power of human connection.

“Rachel was the first person to ask me how I walked before, and when I said hadn’t needed any assistive devices, she put one hand on my safety belt, and the other in my hand and we started walking,” said Ariyah. “It just felt so humane and kind. I felt her warmth and the human connection. She truly showed that she was here to help me, and that meant so much.”

During her inpatient care, Ariyah received a variety of therapy treatments including high intensity gait training, therapy outside in the Healing Garden, and aquatic therapy. In occupational therapy, she focused on regaining the ability to perform basic daily tasks and rebuilding strength, coordination, and fine motor skills in her right hand.

“Ariyah was always willing and ready to do whatever we asked of her. She brought her best to therapy every day and was always open to trying something new!” said Kloe Dorn, OTR/L, Ariyah’s primary occupational therapist.

“Ariyah came in with one clear goal: to return home independently—and she worked tirelessly to make it happen,” said Alexis Boudavong, PT, DPT, Ariyah’s primary physical therapist. “She was truly a joy to work with and an inspiration to both patients and staff alike.”

By the time she discharged, Ariyah had regained significant use of her right hand’s mobility and walked out of Siskin Hospital’s doors without assistance! She plans to continue her recovery through Siskin Outpatient Therapy.

“I’ve overcome a lot in my life, and this is just one more thing I’ll overcome. I don’t consider myself a survivor, but a thriver,” she said. As a self-described creative, Ariyah also plans to write and publish a book about her health journey and connections she has made along the way.

We’re so glad to be a part of your incredible journey, Ariyah. Congratulations on all you have achieved so far!