Edward Hogan, a guest services representative at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, had a hard time finding hope when he learned that three of his vital organs needed to be replaced so he could live a healthy life.

“Once I realized none of the healthcare centers in my area could help me, I started calling around to do my own research, and I had no success,” says Edward. “Luckily, my cardiologist suggested that I contact his friend who was leading a transplant program in Chicago. After contacting the friend, I was on a plane the next day.”

After taking a few tests to make sure he qualified for the procedure, Edward was accepted as a patient and underwent transplant surgery for a new heart, liver and kidney. “Those physicians saved my life,” he says. “I love them.”

After a successful procedure, Edward was ready for the recovery process. He was admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation center for a short time, and then he began care at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital as an outpatient. He couldn’t walk, and he had lost the use of one of his hands.

“The therapists were assisting me with different hand exercises and got me out of my wheelchair to start using a mobility walker,” says Hogan. “I was still really skeptical and didn’t think I would be able to recover.”

But to Edward’s surprise, after a year of rehabilitation, he regained his mobility. “Before I knew it, I could fully use my hand and walk without assistance. I was so impressed with the staff because they did something so amazing for me.”

A few months after completing therapy, Hogan decided he wanted to start working again. He saw a job opening at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, and he knew it was the perfect place and position for him.

 “I’m so impressed with the organization and the people,” he says. “I love it here.”