Barb once crafted nearly 200 wedding cakes, along with hundreds more for birthdays and celebrations — even completing 17 cakes in a single day. But after being diagnosed with CHF and COPD, she hung up her apron more than a decade ago.

That began to change when Barb moved to River Hills Village and met the Consonus Rehab team.

With personalized support, expert guidance, and encouragement at every step, Barb began rebuilding her strength and her confidence. As she made progress, her therapists suggested something bold: returning to the kitchen for one more cake.

With the support of her care team and assistance from the Hy-Vee Bakery, Barb gave it a try, and the results were sweet as sugar.

• Regained strength and dexterity
• Reconnected with a lifelong passion that once felt out of reach
• Rediscovered her confidence and creativity

“Thank you for giving me life again,” Barb said. Her words were a reminder that recovery isn’t just about physical healing; it’s about reconnecting with who you are.