On-campus rehab center resident shares impact of volunteers 

By Emily Gibson

Assistant Feature Editor

George McClellan smiled wide as he wiggled his toes and fingers in his wheelchair, displaying his progress. At the Trevecca Center for Rehabilitation and Healing, McClellan is better known as “Mr. Miracle” because when the 62-year-old arrived at the center six months ago, such simple movements were impossible. 

“I’m moving my toes, fingers, arms… I’m able to feed myself and dress myself… I couldn’t do that,” said McClellan. “You don’t pay attention to small stuff like that until you can’t do it.”

A month ago, McClellan took his first steps, but today he can walk short distances without his wheelchair, and he spends every day practicing the tasks he will have to perform once again when he returns to his home in Antioch. 

“They’re going to learn to walk again,” said McCellan as he looked at his legs. “I’ve got big plans.”

McClellan is one of about 227 residents in the rehab center located on campus, but this number changes daily. The center has 239 beds available to patients who need any of the following services: Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy, Subacute Post-Operative Care, 24/7 Skilled Nursing, Complex Medical Care, Respiratory Care, IV Therapy, Wound Care, Diabetic Management, Pain Management, Restorative Care, Respite Care, Recreational Therapy, Dental, Podiatry, or Optometry. 

Though not an official part of the university, its location on campus gives students an opportunity to volunteer and spend time with patients who could use some company. 

Tierra Wicks, recreational director for the rehab center, said a lot of people stopped volunteering at the center since Covid and there is a need for people to come back into the buildings to spend time engaging in the activities the residents enjoy most, such as conversation, scripture, music, bingo, other games, and arts and crafts to name a few. 

“All it takes is 15 minutes to give to a resident; nothing more, nothing less,” said Wicks. “It makes a difference in their day.”

University President Dan Boone used to visit the rehab center weekly when he was a pastor at Trevecca Community Church, and he said he saw some very lonely people there even then. 

“I would strongly encourage students who are here for a short period of time, if they go befriend people at the rehab center, to make sure they’re trying to build a network of continuing relationships for them… so that when the student graduates and is gone, there’s a continuing relationship,” said Boone. “What I’ve learned is when someone really young like you pays attention to someone who feels abandoned, they feel even more valued.”

The journey to recovery can be long for many patients. For McClellan, his story began in March of 2022. 

One morning he performed his usual routine: he showered, dressed, took his high blood pressure medicine on an empty stomach, and, despite feeling queasy, left for work at Ford Lincoln of Franklin, where he is a service advisor. 

McClellan was driving about 60 mph when he lost consciousness, went across four lanes and crashed into four trees before driving off a 30-foot embankment. 

Though McClellan’s head impacted with the driver’s side window, several scans at the hospital revealed no broken bones, and the doctors determined McClellan could return to work within 30 days. 

Fast forward one year to October 2023 when McClellan began to notice tingling in his right hand and foot. One morning while walking into work from the parking lot, McClellan’s foot went limp, he fell, and his coworker had to help him up. Three months later in February, McClellan felt stiffness in his neck and passed out during a work meeting. 

In March 2024, McClellan’s brother urged him to go to the doctor, but McClellan insisted he was fine. Moments later, McClellan tripped, but this time he could not get back up. 

“I’m laying on my stomach, and I can’t move,” said McClellan. 

McClellan’s brothers Kenyon and James took him to the hospital, where further scans revealed several fractures to his spinal cord and vertebrae growing therein. The next day, McClellan underwent emergency spinal cord surgery, and, about a month later, he arrived at the Trevecca rehab center in a neck brace and wheelchair. 

Lauren Harris, physical therapist assistant for the rehab center, has worked closely with McClellan since he arrived. 

“When he first got here, he was completely dependent for all of his mobility… and he was depressed for sure,” said Harris. “He was very frustrated that he wasn’t making the progress very fast.” 

Over the next three months, McClellan’s body as well as attitude improved, and his motivation returned. 

McClellan said he wakes up every morning like he is going to work. 

“He’s the first one up in the morning… going up and down the halls and motivating other people,” said Harris. “He tells them good job and how he’s seen them change… he’s been a big advocate for a lot of the other patients in the building.”

McClellan said the reason for his motivation is twofold: self-determination and the endless support he receives from the rehab center and his family. 

“My brothers are here two or three times a week,” said McClellan. “I’ve had some of them [the residents] tell me, ‘George, you are so lucky that your family comes here.’”

McClellan said he does not think he could manage without his support system, and he feels bad for all of the residents at the rehab center who have nobody to visit with them. 

McClellan said he can picture the residents now when students come to visit them. 

“Just for someone to come in and say, ‘Hi, how are you doing?’” said McClellan. “Those are big words, and I think that could help.”

The rehab center is open seven days a week, and students interested in volunteering there or visiting with the residents can come by at any time to sign in and visit with a resident, fill out paperwork for volunteering, or ask questions.