Charlene Subrick and Grace Laudenslager are making a positive impact on the lives of patients recovering from spinal and neurological injuries through Gone Fishing, a unique physical therapy program through UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. Between the two of them, they have four degrees from Slippery Rock University, which is a testament to the strength and scope of the SRU alumni network and how they are combining their expertise from their alma mater to help others.
Subrick, ’83, ’91M, a graduate of Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in physical and health education and a master’s in physical therapy, got the idea to combine fishing and physical therapy about eight years ago.
“I had experienced a fishing program from Venture Outdoors, which is a local company that provides outdoor opportunities for people with different disabilities,” said Subrick, a physical therapist at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute at UPMC Mercy. “From there I came up with a program to take patients fishing, at least for an outing here in the hospital.”
What started out as two sessions blossomed into a program that is still changing lives and eight years later. Gone Fishing takes patients recovering from spinal injuries, brain injuries and strokes, as well as patients undergoing general rehab to the Allegheny River to participate in adaptive fishing. The journey to the river, however, is where the magic happens.
“They work on a lot of community reentry activities,” said Subrick. “Things like going up and down curbs, crossing streets, watching for potholes and getting on the subway.”
For patients undergoing the extensive recoveries that many patients involved with Gone Fishing are experiencing, this connection to the community and to the natural world is a lifeline. Other people are recognizing the impact.
“We got a $10,000 grant from the Beckwith Association to buy equipment that fits these patients’ needs, we have worked with the state to advise them on adaptive fishing, and we’ve been reported on by local new stations and Good Morning America,” Subrick said.
As the program has grown, Subrick has gotten some help, most notably from fellow SRU alum Grace Laudenslager, ’21, ’24D, who earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science and her doctorate in occupational therapy. Laudenslager, who now works as a full-time occupational therapist at UPMC Mercy in its inpatient rehabilitation stroke unit, is poised to take over Gone Fishing after Subrick.
“She’s been my right-hand woman,” Subrick said of Laudenslager. “She was really creative in looking at the disabilities that the patients were dealing with and trying to figure out what equipment would be necessary for them. She keeps people organized and makes sure that people get to the fishing spot safely.”
Subrick has created a successful and robust program in Gone Fishing, achieving national and international recognition, but most importantly, supporting people in need. With Laudenslager on her side and ready to lead when the time comes, the future of Gone Fishing and the vital work it does for its patients is bright.
