09/17/2025
❗Therapist's Persistence Saves a Life❗
We’re grateful that patient Chris Bowles chose to share this story with us, as well as in The Mountaineer. It shows just how far compassion and attentive care can go in making a difference. Here is what Chris had to say.⬇
"I feel the need to tell you my story about two compassionate people here in Waynesville. I will try to keep this short and to the point. Simply put, on April 23, at around 9:30 a.m., while at Smoky Mountain Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, my therapist, Ben Stephenson, noticed my strange behavior. After taking my blood pressure, he conferred with my niece, Mary Curtis McCracken. They recommended I go to the hospital immediately.
I didn’t feel the urgent need to get to the hospital. Mary Curtis McCracken called my wife and told her I needed immediate medical help. Since they were so adamant, I went to the local urgent care center. They immediately sent me to Haywood Regional Medical Center’s emergency room.
I don’t remember getting there or my stay there, but around 3 a.m., I was told I was headed to Mission for better care. Upon arrival, I was met by the doctor who couldn’t believe I was coherent and not in a coma, or worse. My sodium level was critically low.
In eight days, I went from Uncle C. to Mr. Salty. I will never forget the actions of the two people who saved my life, Mary Curtis McCracken and Ben Stephenson, therapists and life savers at Smoky Mountain Physical Therapy. I am forever grateful for their actions that day."
-Chris Bowles, Uncle C. and Mr. Salty
Chris, thank you for trusting us with your care and sharing your story.
