A Father-Daughter Wedding Dance: Bob Fry’s Stroke Recovery Journey

All Bob Fry’s daughter Katie wanted was to be able to dance with her dad at her wedding. That simple, powerful wish became a driving force for Bob after a life-altering stroke.

Seven years ago, Bob was managing a limousine company when he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke at work. The stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain, left the Schnecksville resident with impairments in sensation and strength on the right side of his body. He was rushed to St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, where his journey to recovery began.

Bob spent three days in the acute care hospital at St. Luke’s Bethlehem Campus before transferring to St. Luke’s Acute Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Bethlehem. There, he received intensive therapy and support to regain his independence.

“Everything we do is designed to get you home as safe as possible, and to augment and optimize your recovery,” said Ashley de Padua, MD, St. Luke’s section chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “At our Acute Rehabilitation Centers, we work as a team to develop your plan of care and set goals. The most important team members in the care team are the patient and their family.”

Dr. de Padua remembers Bob as one of her first patients. “I remember Bob’s case, because we had the opportunity to take care of him for almost 40 days in our rehab unit,” she said. “During that time, I got to know Bob and his wife very well, providing them support through a time of significant change.”  

When Bob arrived, he needed maximum assistance.  It required two people just to help him move in bed. His wife, Deb, was by his side, asking what life would look like moving forward. Dr. de Padua spent time with her, explaining the long road ahead.

With determination and support, Bob progressed from needing full assistance to walking 350 feet with minimal assistance by his discharge date. He still uses a walker, but his spirit and drive never wavered.

Deb recalls the care they received with deep gratitude. “The support system in the Acute Rehabilitation Center was incredible. Everyone was so professional and personal. They don’t just care for the patient; they care for the person.” She described Dr. de Padua as “a phenomenal doctor and person,” whose compassion and expertise made a lasting impact.

After inpatient rehab, Bob continued to receive outpatient care with the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation team at St. Luke’s Neuro Rehab Center on 8th Avenue in Bethlehem. When Dr. de Padua saw him again, she asked what more she could help him achieve. Bob’s answer was simple: he wanted to put his arm around his daughter during their dance.

Due to the stroke, Bob experienced spasticity – disrupted signals between brain and muscles that caused tightness in his shoulder and arm – making it difficult to lift his arm. Dr. de Padua treated him with botulinum toxin injections, which relax overactive muscles and allow movement. “It basically helps modulate signals to specific muscles, calming down overactive muscle,” she explained.

The treatment worked. Bob held Katie with his right arm as they danced to “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman. It was a moment of triumph, love, and resilience.

Today, Bob is doing exceptionally well. Deb credits his progress to the dedicated care of Dr. de Padua and the entire St. Luke’s rehabilitation team. Their support helped Bob work hard to make Katie’s dream of dancing with her dad a reality – and gave their family a memory they’ll cherish forever.