Gold-Medal Care Partner

U.S. and international Special Olympics competitor Desiree “Desi” Holland has made incredible friendships with her care team from Adventist HealthCare Home Care Services.

A back injury forced 51-year-old Desi to take a break from 43 years of competing in the Special Olympics. Before her injury, Desi had many accomplishments competing in track and field, aquatics, and cycling. Last March, she won the Jimmy Myrick Jr. Governor’s Courage Award, presented annually to an exceptional Special Olympian in Maryland.

After back surgery at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, Desi began receiving care in June 2021 from an extraordinary team of physical and occupational therapists at Adventist HealthCare Home Care Services. Desi’s Home Care team has helped her find fun and enjoyable ways of exercising and living well.

Team Home Care

Desi’s history of training for the Special Olympics taught her to be responsible for her own health and stay active. Her experience training has helped her get through physical therapy and has made an incredible difference in her journey to recovery.

Desi’s physical therapist has patients who don’t exercise every day, said Desi’s mother, Candy. "But with Desi, he can see the progress and that goes back to the Special Olympics. Desi is used to training."

The highlight of Desi’s week is when her physical and occupational therapists poke their heads around the corner to surprise her when they arrive at her home.

When asked what her favorite part of physical therapy is, Desi replies, "Dance!" She loves exercising, dancing and singing gospel songs with her Adventist HealthCare caregivers.

"They’re the best of friends," Candy said. "Desi has built incredible relationships with her care team."