Dane Howard spent 34 years in law enforcement, including two terms as the Huron County Sheriff. During those years, he experienced a number of challenging situations, including being stabbed, shot at and witnessing the death of another person. However, Dane found his most difficult challenge yet was learning to walk again after reviving from a month-long coma. He credits the exceptional care he received from employees at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) for his recovery and his improved quality of life.

Dane’s journey began in April 2019 when he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He underwent surgery to remove a tumor, but the cancer had spread. By 2020, the prognosis was not encouraging. His oncologist suggested immunotherapy – a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. The immune system assists the body in fighting infections and other diseases. It is made up of white blood cells and organs and tissues of the lymph system. Dane understood that with any treatment there could be adverse effects.

At first, Dane responded well to the therapy, but in October 2020, his organs began to shut down and he developed sepsis – an infection spread through the blood that can rapidly lead to tissue damage and death. Then, Dane went into a coma. His daughter, Serena, worked to have Dane transferred to LMH, where she is a respiratory therapist, so that he would be closer to his family. He was placed in the Medical/Surgical Unit on the LMH Fifth Floor. When Dane revived from the coma, he found he could not move his arms or legs. He was experiencing muscle atrophy – a decrease in muscle mass, often due to extended immobility.

A Case Manager felt Dane was a good candidate for the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at LMH. The goal of the program is to assist patients with disabilities caused by illnesses, surgeries or injuries to develop the skills necessary to live as independently as possible after leaving the Hospital. To qualify for the services, patients must be able to tolerate at least three hours of therapy, five days per week, and have the ability to achieve rehabilitation goals in a reasonable time period.

“I was not sure I was ready for three hours of therapy a day, but the Case Manager had worked so hard to write a multi-page brief to convince my insurance company that I needed the services to improve my quality of life,” said Dane. “She was right. The entire experience was amazing, and I am able to go boating, fish and enjoy my grandchildren thanks to the amazing staff.”

When Dane was transferred to the Rehabilitation Unit, he was very weak and worried that he would never walk again. The very first day, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Karen Richards and Physical Therapy Assistant Anthony Kochur began Dane’s rehabilitation by encouraging him and assisting him to stand up. “I am a large person and it was unbelievably difficult to support me while I stood for the first time,” said Dane, “I did not want to stay bedridden for the rest of my life, and I told Karen and Anthony, if they were willing to sacrifice their strength for me, then I would give them every bit of strength I had.” Dane spent several weeks in the unit working with the physical, occupational and speech therapists.

“I learned early in my own career that the most satisfying way to complete a job or task is to do it with a positive attitude and to be pleasant to those around you,” Dane shared. “That is what I found most comforting about the staff at LMH. They enjoy their jobs, and everyone, including the Environmental Services and Culinary Services staff members, treated me with kindness and care. I felt like I was a member of their family. I enjoyed talking with David W. Koontz, D.O., the physician who oversees the Rehabilitation Unit. He explained the treatment process and offered encouragement.”

When Dane was released to return home, he regained his strength, was walking and able to care for himself. Once home, Dane followed the advice given by the therapists and continued his exercises.

Though Dane is not a Licking County resident, he was born at LMH. His father had been stationed at the Newark Air Force Base. His mother was from Kent, Ohio, and they moved there to take over the family farm when Dane was young. Dane met his wife, Peggy, while they were working for the same police department. The couple has been married for 35 years. Dane’s sons, Seth and Jeremy, followed in their parents’ footsteps. Seth serves as a Genoa Township Police Officer, and Jeremy is a Richland County Sheriff Deputy and a volunteer firefighter.

Dane spends as much time as he can with his eight grandchildren. During the time Dane was in a coma, Jeremy and his wife, Laura, welcomed their first child, while Seth and his wife, Shannon, gave birth to their fifth child. Serena and her husband, Zach, have two children. “We always have the grandchildren around, and I am so grateful to be able to play with them. I would not be here today if it had not been for the amazing staff at LMH,” Dane emphasized. Despite the unfavorable side effects from his cancer treatments, Dane also is now cancer free.