“MetroHealth saved my life medically and allowed me to get back to my life physically.”
On May 12, 2024, after months of fatigue following two bouts of pneumonia, Robert Koonce was at the MetroHealth Cleveland Heights Medical Center emergency department. He was feeling more “off” than usual that morning.
He eventually met neurologist Jonah Grossman, MD on May 21. Dr. Grossman suspected a severe rare form of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) called Miller-Fisher Syndrome (MFS). While usually not fatal, a full recovery can take weeks or months.
A Year Later
Robert returned to the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland in October 2024, where he works in strategic planning and special projects for the Office of the Bishop. Over the past few months his time there has grown from part-time to almost full-time.
By mid-November, Robert had wrapped up the last of his PT and OT sessions.
He has regained full range of motion in his arms and is walking every day (a favorite outdoor trail is 1 mile). Some days his energy is good, other days his legs tire quickly and he can’t go far. He’s driving short distances again. And Robert and his wife Divina are planning a two-week trip to Portugal this summer.
In early May 2025 – nearly one year after landing in the hospital – Robert returned to MetroHealth Medical Center to thank the nurses, doctors, and aides who cared for him. He says he also hopes to serve as a volunteer hospital chaplain, where he can encourage patients and their families in their most difficult moments.
MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute
Leaders in rehabilitation, research, and education to improve care for the most complex injuries and illnesses. Visit our website for more information about the MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute or call:
- Outpatient appointments for adults and children, call 216-778-4414
- Inpatient services or admission for adults and children 13 yrs+, call 216-778-4167
