Mercy Health rehabilitation team helps patient with “perfect proposal”

In his mid-20s, Matt Karlovec was diagnosed with encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. Complications can include problems with senses, movement and speech. For nearly five years, he has worked with the rehabilitation team at Mercy Regional Medical Center to improve his quality of life and help him be more independent at home. This team-approach to supporting Matt continued when Matt decided to ask his girlfriend, Cathleen Trovato, to marry him. To make it the perfect proposal, Matt enlisted the help of his therapy team.

Over the last year and a half, Matt worked with his therapy team to prepare for his proposal; developing a step-by-step list of every movement he would need to make the proposal work. The therapy team creatively designed a therapy program. Matt wanted to propose on one knee so he worked diligently with his physical therapist practicing the proposal on one knee. The team had a custom bench built so he could get down on one knee. His occupational therapist used rubber washers so he could practice the dexterity needed to place the ring on Cathleen’s finger and his speech therapist worked with Matt to say “Will you marry me?”

The big day arrived on Tuesday, December 19th when Matt asked Cathleen to marry him following his therapy session at Mercy Regional Medical Center. Cathleen quickly realized what was happening when she saw the therapy room decorated for the special occasion with the parallel bars, which Karlovec uses for his strength work, covered with ribbons and flowers and their friends and family standing around.

Matt was able to get down on one knee with modifications and ask Cathleen, who had stood by his side throughout his diagnosis, to marry him. She enthusiastically said yes. The therapists and family were all there to celebrate with the newly engaged couple. For more information on Mercy Health rehabilitation services, please visit mercy.com.