After eight months of challenging recovery, Suzanne Parker was met with a crowd of cheers from staff and patients as she walked out of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Rehabiltation Unit this week.
Sue arrived at SCUH in December last year, after a spinal infection left her with a compressed spinal cord and paralysation from the waist down.
"I did go through some grieving and there were some words said but with encouragement from the staff here at the Rehab Team, I've been able to push through all of that grief," she said.
"I've been doing so well, I'm so much better."
The 60-year-old was semi-retired and about to begin her caravanning journey around Australia with her husband when the infection developed.
Suzanne stopped to thank the staff and other patients for their support during her clap-out this week.
"It's absolutely fantastic what you guys do here, you get told it all the time but you have to take it in because I would not be here without you."
The Hervey Bay local said doing her rehab at SCUH and being closer to home was pivotal to her success.
"It was very important, you go much further with rehab, when you have your family and friends around."
"I just want to thank everybody so, so much."
Advanced Occupational Therapist for Inpatient Rehabilitation Services Rhianna Friend said Sue was an inspiration for others rehabilitating from spinal injuries.
"Sue has really had to learn how to do everything for herself again, so learning how to adjust to a new disability, going through that grief and then visualising how to live in the community again," she said.
"To see someone go from being completely wheelchair dependent, to be able to stand and be able to take a few steps and walk is such a special experience."
Ms Friend said it was heart-warming to see Sue walking out of the ward.
"We have a bell that our patients ring when they leave the unit and I think that bell really rings for all of us every time they do it. The way her face lit up and that sense of achievement is rewarding for a clinician to see.”