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A transformative relationship, in many ways.

Defining Moment Polly and Charlie
Polly Swingle, PT, GCS, CEEAA, RYI, with her business partner and former patient Charlie Parkhill.

Listen to 'Defining Moment'

When I first saw Charlie Parkhill, I had no idea he would become such an important figure in my life. I just thought I could help him.

It was 1998 and I was working as a physical therapist (PT) at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan in the town of Novi. Charlie, a certified public accountant with a successful business, had sustained a severe neck injury while on vacation with his wife in Mexico. The wave that knocked him down had bruised and partially severed his spinal cord. Physicians had told him he'd never walk again.

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