Scott Ibbeson is no stranger to hard work and perseverance. He was a Hannibal Regional team member for two years before retiring. Not long after retirement, he faced major health challenges that would test his determination and ultimately lead him back to Hannibal Regional as the Environmental Services Supervisor.
His ongoing struggle with diabetes led to the development of Charcot disease, a serious condition that affects the bones, joints and soft tissues of the foot. Charcot disease first attacked Scott's right foot, ultimately resulting in the amputation of the lower portion of his right leg. Determined to keep moving forward, Scott knew he needed to take control of his health. Shortly after his right leg amputation, he underwent bariatric surgery and lost 195 pounds. As he regained his strength, he decided to return to work to help stay active.
Scott felt he was making great progress and doing well with his mobility. However, about two years after his right leg amputation, Charcot disease began attacking his left foot. He underwent a second amputation of the lower portion of his left leg. Shortly afterward, he returned to work and remained committed to improving his health.
Although Scott was feeling great and his diabetes was under control, he did not pass the annual biometric screening offered to Hannibal Regional team members. Following the screening, he began meeting regularly with Team Health, a department within Hannibal Regional Healthcare System that provides wellness coaching and support to team members.
With the help of Team Health wellness coaching, Scott evaluated his eating habits and made significant changes. He cleaned out the snack drawer in his desk, replacing chips with healthier alternatives. Scott also gave up soda and began making healthier choices every day. In addition to working with Team Health, Scott utilized the wellness portal available to Hannibal Regional team members, taking classes focused on healthy eating and healthy living. Thanks to the resources available to him as a Hannibal Regional team member, Scott is now maintaining a healthy weight and living a healthy, active life. He works full time and utilizes prosthetic legs to walk and remain independent in his daily activities.
Scott is an inspiration to many and often reminds people that you can do hard things. Although Scott has a busy work schedule, one thing he always makes time for is connecting with patients who are facing situations similar to his own. Scott shares, "As a double amputee, I have had the opportunity to visit with other amputee patients who are in the hospital. I let them know I have been through what they are going through and I am here to listen and talk with them.”
Scott's story is a powerful reminder that setbacks do not have to define your future. Through determination, hard work and the support of the wellness resources available to Hannibal Regional team members, he transformed his health and continues to make a difference in the lives of others. Scott demonstrates every day that with the right support and a commitment to change, you truly can-do hard things.
At Hannibal Regional, caring extends beyond patients. Team members have access to resources like Team Health, the wellness portal, wellness coaching, and other programs designed to support their physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. These resources are just one of the many ways Hannibal Regional supports its team. When you join Hannibal Regional, you're joining more than a workplace, you are joining a family that cares for and supports one another through every stage of life.
To learn more about what Hannibal Regional has to offer, visit hannibalregional.org/jobs.