Where Healing Feels Like Home: Lee and Gina’s Story

Four years ago, Lee Harmon’s life changed dramatically.

After developing osteomyelitis related to diabetes, Lee became critically ill. His condition deteriorated to the point that there was a time when he did not even know his own name. He woke up in the hospital and learned he would be transported to Tucson Medical Center, where his vascular team was waiting to amputate his leg.

The physical recovery was difficult, but what came afterward was just as challenging.

When Lee returned home to Southern Arizona, he struggled to adjust to life after losing his leg. He became more reclusive and angry and eventually fell into a deep depression. He wrestled with feeling like he was somehow less than the person he had been before.

Through it all, his wife, Gina, stayed beside him.

She researched ways to help Lee adjust, encouraged him to keep moving forward, and pushed him to begin enjoying life again. As Lee puts it, Gina helped get him back on “two feet.”

A longtime family friend and Banner service provider, Kathy Spangler, eventually introduced Lee and Gina to Total Care Connections and the opportunity for Gina to become Lee’s paid family caregiver.

Lee’s response was immediate: “Sign me up… NOW!”

For the past two years, Gina has cared for Lee through Total Care Connections, allowing him to receive the support he needs from someone he knows and trusts while remaining in the home he loves.

“Having her able to do this has definitely made my life better — a lot better,” Lee shared. “The fact that she’s able to be here all the time, that’s amazing.”

Being cared for at home has also allowed Lee to remain present for the people who matter most. He has been able to watch his children grow, continue being an active part of their lives, and spend time with his granddaughter — his “partner in crime.”

Home has also given the entire family a place to work through the difficult days together. Lee’s health challenges affected not only him, but Gina and their children as well. Remaining together helped them navigate those challenges as a family and gave Lee another reason to focus on his health and the life still ahead of him.

For Lee, there is also a special peace that comes from having his wife as his caregiver.

“It eases your mind when it’s your wife or a family member there,” he said. “You don’t worry about who’s coming in.”

When asked whether he would recommend family caregiving to someone facing similar circumstances, Lee did not hesitate.

“Absolutely. 180%.”

Lee has also seen firsthand what being part of Total Care Connections has meant to Gina. After experiences with other companies, he says this one has felt different.

“This is the most compassionate,” Lee shared. “I’ve never had any worries with your company, and I know for a fact that my wife loves working there.”

Lee and Gina’s story is a reminder of what care at home can make possible. It can preserve independence, keep families together, and give someone the opportunity to continue living life surrounded by the people and places they love most.

There are still difficult days, but Lee has a simple message for others facing life-changing health challenges:

“You just got to keep your head up.”

We are grateful to Lee and Gina for allowing Total Care Connections to be part of their journey and proud to help make it possible for Gina to continue caring for the person who means the most to her.

We invite you to watch Lee’s video and hear what being cared for by his wife at home has meant for his independence, his family, and his life.