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| Keith Furlong and Don Lochard. |
In 1959, two young boys found their way to Columbus, Ohio. They were roommates for about 18 months in private housing near The Ohio State University campus. When Mr. Furlong married his sweetheart in 1961, the two friends parted ways and after graduation, lost touch.
Over the next 50 years, both men stayed busy with their careers and families. Don is semi-retired from his family business, Lochard, Inc. located in Sidney, Ohio. In 1965, Don returned to Sidney to work with his father in the family-owned business and continues to work 4-5 days a week at the business with his son, Mike. He and his wife, Yvonne, have two children, Mike Lochard and Susan Schwiesow. They have five grandchildren.
In 1966, Mr. Furlong graduated from The Ohio State University with a BS in Education. Mr. Furlong retired from Morgan Stanley. Keith and his wife, Carolyn, have three children, Kelly Baron, Kurt Furlong, and Karen Young. They have seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
In 2009, Mr. Lochard was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Don and his wife first heard about a Parkinson’s therapy program called LSVT BIG and LOUD while in Florida but did not want to start the program there, so upon return to Ohio, they found that Versailles Health Care Center offered the program. Dr. Rabindra Kitchener is Mr. Lochard’s neurologist.
Mr. Furlong was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease on July 30, 2013. Furlong’s neurologist, Dr. Louis Krousgrill referred him to Versailles Health Care Center for Parkinson’s therapy treatment.
Both men completed the Parkinson’s Program which included LSVT BIG and LOUD treatments. These treatment programs are unique certified treatment protocols that are considered the “gold standard” in treating disorders for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Each LSVT BIG and LOUD program is individualized for the patient’s specific needs. The LSVT BIG program addresses safe walking, balance, and trunk rotation. The LSVT LOUD program addresses soft, mumbled, monotone, and hoarse vocal quality. The LSVT BIG and LOUD program is four sessions per week for four weeks. BIG sessions are approximately 60 minutes and LOUD sessions are 30-60 minutes. According to Versailles Health Care Center Facility Rehab Director, Shannon Condon, “Our therapy programs are successful with all levels of ability. We pride ourselves in making each patient’s rehab program specific to their individual needs.”
Upon completion of the program, each man was given a success DVD that featured his before and after performances. Both men stated they are leading better lives since beginning therapy at Versailles Health Care Center. Lochard reported his mobility has improved in many ways. He feels stronger and more confident with his walking which allows him to more easily attend his grandchildren’s sporting events. He is able to move easier in bed. “I can rollover onto my stomach now. I haven’t been able to do that in years.”
Furlong reported before the LSVT BIG and LOUD program, “I felt tired all the time” and “didn’t care about anything anymore”. After the program was complete, he stated “I definitely feel more energetic now. I feel stronger. I want to keep exercising.” In fact, he has kept exercising. He regularly attends the Delay The Disease fitness classes offered by Versailles Health Care Center and YMCA of Darke County at the YMCA of Darke County, Versailles Facility. The classes are conducted by therapists, Shannon Condon and Gina Boerger, from Versailles Health Care Center. Delay the Disease is a fitness program designed to empower people with Parkinson’s Disease by optimizing their physical function and helping to delay the progression of symptoms.
Furlong said, “I really appreciate all the effort and energy Gina, Shannon, and Heidi (all therapists at VHCC) put into their program. They keep us motivated and our spirits up. They are good people.”
Versailles Health Care Center also offers a FREE monthly Power Over Parkinson’s class, open to people with Parkinson’s Disease and their families. It was at September’s Power Over Parkinson’s class that the roommates were reunited. When Furlong’s name was announced as the winner of the doorprize giveaway, Lochard said he once knew a guy by the name of Keith Furlong and wondered if it might be the same man from years ago. The two men spent the next hour reminiscing and catching up. Furlong commented, “I enjoyed seeing him after all these years and look forward to seeing him at the next Power Over Parkinson’s class.”
Power Over Parkinson’s meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 4 pm to exercise, socialize and learn. It is a FREE event, open to people with Parkinson’s Disease and their families. The next Power Over Parkinson’s group will take place Wednesday, October 9 at 4 pm at The Rehab Clinic at Versailles Health Care Center. The guest speaker will be George T. Mandybur, MD, Neurosurgeon with Mayfield Clinic & Spine Institute, which is associated with University of Cincinnati, Department of Neurosurgery. He will be sharing information about advances in Deep Brain Stimulation and his particular unique approach. Dr. Mandybur will be accompanied by Beth Mitchell of Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology.
For more information about the Parkinson’s Program at Versailles Health Care Center, please call Shannon Condon at 937-526-0130.