The Wedding Proposal

After being struck by a car and having a subsequent stroke, Carl Haydel’s family was told he may be non-responsive for the rest of his life. Carl had other plans. Though he entered the Claiborne at Baton Rouge, an assisted living facility, in a wheelchair and was referred to three different disciplines of therapy, Carl was determined to be able to get down on bended knee, raise a ring, and propose to his girlfriend. He voiced this mission to his occupational therapist, Amanda Cable, OTD, OTR/L, who was more than happy to help him. We are excited to report that not only did his girlfriend, Rachel, say “yes,” but a video clip of Carl and Amanda’s OT sessions went viral and was featured in a recent article by People Magazine. This week, we catch up with Carl and Amanda to talk all about their amazing story, when Carl and Rachel’s wedding is happening, and what it’s like to be social media-famous!