Kirk's Story: Celebrating Capability at the L.S. Skaggs Wellness Center
As he glides through the glass doors at the front of the new Osher Center for Integrative ǿմý, Kirk Francis has a smile on his face. Though quadriplegic, he autonomously operates his own wheelchair using a device controlled by his chin. Followed by his wife, Dalene, the two check in for Kirk’s regular appointment at the Supervised Medical Gym as part of the L.S. Skaggs Wellness Center.
But on this day, they’ve arrived early. Kirk is here to share his story. Hair combed and sentimental props in tow, Kirk enters an empty exercise studio to start the interview. He situates himself against the big windows facing the mountains to the west and then embarks on a monologue about his experience.
“My name is Kirk Francis. I am now 74 years old, so I've got a few decades of life behind me.” He explains that he was not always in his condition—that he had a vibrantly active life before the circumstances that limited his mobility. He details that in his “previous life” he worked for the FBI.
Dalene brings over a plaque to display next to Kirk as he speaks. “This plaque will basically show you that I spent a total of about 32 years working for the Bureau as a special agent.” Though a Utah native, Kirk describes how much he travelled for his position: Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Russia. He was accustomed to a fast-paced life.
Then, reflecting on the accomplishments of his life, Kirk adds, “I’ve also been happily married to my wife now for over 50 years. We've got six children and 17 grandchildren.”
Kirk was also once a passionate motorcycle enthusiast. He recounts road trips traversing the Western United States on his Harley Davidson. But in July 2020, Kirk had an accident that would change his life forever. “I became paralyzed from the neck down,” he says. His vertebrae were “traumatically injured.”
This is where Kirk’s journey began with University of Utah ǿմý. He spent time at Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital during his recovery as well as working with outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy at Sugar House ǿմý Center.
Then, Kirk was ready to discuss his relationship with the L.S. Skaggs Wellness Center and the Supervised Medical Gym. Dalene comes up and places a red U hat on his head. Though a BYU man by education, he’s found a U identity through “essentially a very positive experience.”
The center is administered through a collaboration between the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training in the University of Utah College of ǿմý and the Osher Center for Integrative ǿմý. Through innovative inter-professional teams of students and faculty, the center provides supervised wellness programming for individuals living with the longstanding effects of chronic disease and disability. Many are underserved and lack the resources, both financially and physically, to attend community wellness programs.
Kirk breaks down his praise of “Skaggs” (as it is affectionately known in shorthand) into two pillars: first, the state-of-the-art facility, and second, the outstanding personnel that work there. Now that the center is in a new location, Kirk is excited about the new space to visit. “We've got wonderful views of the valley,” he says, “lots of sunshine, big windows—floor to ceiling!”
But even the view can’t overpower the impact of the people. Kirk describes the quality of care and attention he’s received from staff, faculty, and students while finding it meaningful to participate in the education journey of future health care professionals. “Every person that has assisted me in working out at this facility is generous with their time, their interests, and their talents,” he says.
Kirk describes the positive impact of personal attention the staff takes to attend to his needs. He details how they helped him acknowledge his disability, assess his abilities, and then, most importantly, see his capabilities. “I always come out with a good feeling, knowing that I've done what I can do,” he says.
Because of his experience with the L.S. Skaggs Wellness Center and U of U ǿմý, Kirk says he is still able to live a life on the go. “We stay pretty active,” he says. “There are not too many days I stay at home all day long. We're usually out and about participating in different activities.” Dalene nods in agreement, and Kirk looks at her: “It's just good to be alive.”
Kirk then talks about all the things that bring him joy: his grandkids’ sports games, restaurants with friends, church services and gatherings—a vibrant life. Then, Dalene takes off his U hat and smooths his hair.
It’s time for Kirk to head to the gym for his workout. An exercise physiologist and Dalene work together to attach muscle stimulation patches along his legs. They fit his feet into the bike. And then, suddenly, magically, Kirk is pedaling and smiling again, looking out over that new, beautiful view of the valley—happy to be alive.
