Inspirational Story from Corning Resident

[: Melvin on the day of his discharge from Corning Center, with Brenda next to him]

There is not enough to be said about the power of one-on-one rehabilitation therapy and how “personalized” therapy like this is the key to a great outcome. No one knows this better than former Corning Center resident, 70-year-old Melvin Decker of Campbell, New York.

Back in late 2022, Mr. Decker suffered a stroke and was sent to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Following his hospital story and after doing much research seeking a post-acute care facility, Melvin’s wife Brenda decided on Corning Center on 1st Avenue in downtown Corning because she read about the successful one-to-one therapy of the three rehab disciplines being offered at the 120-bed skilled nursing facility: physical, occupational, and speech therapy. All three Melvin took on, and he did it with a strong willingness to succeed so he could go home. Melvin’s wife Brenda was, and still is, a tremendous supporter of her husband. It all makes sense knowing Melvin, a very handy person who once was a truck mechanic for 32 years at Mercury Aircraft in Hammondsport, New York. Melvin, always a true hands-on person, had also worked with stock cars years ago.

On February 1, 2023, Melvin was discharged back home to his adoring Brenda, who continues to thank the rehab team at Corning Center, including assistant PT Derek Morgan as well as Britta and Ashley. They both have five kids in total, a mixture of biological and stepchildren, plus ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

As seen in 13 WHAM ABC