Patient Testimonial: A Journey of Strength, Support, and Healing
Born and raised in Chillicothe, Rae Wallen Helton had spent over a decade at another hospital before beginning a new chapter of her life in December 2024. A mother of two boys, ages 14 and 10, she was navigating life with resilience and grace. Despite the challenges, including the tragic loss of her first husband, Rae managed to find strength in her family, work, and the love of the outdoors.
She had been just 34 years old when the unthinkable happened. Her first husband, only 35, passed away suddenly from a pulmonary embolism. It was a tragic and life-altering event that left Rae to care for their two young children—her oldest just five years old and her youngest only four days shy of his second birthday. “Trying to plan a second birthday and a funeral was not easy,” she recalls with a heavy heart. But even in the midst of heartbreak, she had to move forward, not only for herself but for her boys. “He would want me to go on for his kids,” she reflects, remembering her husband’s words about her strength.
In her free time, Rae finds solace in nature. Whether it’s sitting on her porch watching the cardinals at the bird feeders, camping with her children, or relaxing in a hammock under the sun, she cherishes these moments of peace. The simple joys of life, like doing search-a-word puzzles, bring her comfort and remind her that even amidst challenges, there’s beauty to be found in small things.
Her story of healing took another turn when she experienced shoulder pain while moving a patient at work. The injury left her with significant discomfort, leading her to see Dr. Brian Cohen for an injection. At a follow-up appointment, Rae shared her story with Dr. Cohen. “He was wonderful,” she says, remembering how kind and compassionate he was. He didn’t just focus on her shoulder; he took the time to listen to her, offering not only medical care but emotional support as well. “He offered to send my immediate family and kids to Disney World over Easter weekend,” she recalls in awe. “He took care of everything!” Dr. Cohen’s gesture of kindness didn’t end there. He checked in frequently to ensure they were okay, even though they had no personal connection. It was a moment of selflessness that she will never forget.
Her journey has also led her to remarry, finding love again with her late husband’s best friend, someone who had gone through similar grief. “We’re not afraid to talk about my previous husband,” she shares. Her children, too, embrace the opportunity to hear stories about the father they lost, keeping his memory alive in their hearts.
But it was Dr. Cohen’s unwavering support that truly made a difference in Rae’s healing. “I’m stronger because of this,” she says. “You don’t realize how strong you are until you must go through it.” Her trust in Dr. Cohen was never in question. “He’s the best. Everyone goes to him because he’s the best. It wasn’t a second guess decision.”
Dr. Cohen’s expertise and experience were evident during her treatment. From her shoulder injury to the ongoing follow-ups, Rae always felt confident in his care. “He’s been around, he knows what needs to happen with every issue/problem that arises with a patient,” she explains. “Whether it’s injections or surgery, he’s very up to date.”
After her shoulder injury, Rae didn’t experience any pain following the injection, and her appointments with Dr. Cohen helped her heal both physically and emotionally. She recalls her first appointment with him, saying, “He immediately made me feel comfortable. He was so personable, really listened, and cared.”
One of the most memorable experiences during Rae’s journey came when she and her family took the trip to Disney World, arranged through Dr. Cohen’s generous offer. The trip was nothing short of magical. “We went to several different parks, and they included a concierge person who planned fast passes, got us on rides, and even helped us experience the Disney fireworks at night,” she says, her eyes lighting up at the memory. “The food was amazing! We walked about seven miles in one day, but we made the best of it.” Dr. Cohen even ensured her mother-in-law could join them, and gave the family a gift card to make their trip even more special. “He didn’t know me from anyone else walking into his office, but the kindness he showed me and my family meant the world,” she reflects. Her son was so moved by the gesture that he wrote a heartfelt thank-you note, and they brought back a book of pictures to share with Dr. Cohen, showing him just how much they enjoyed the trip.
For anyone seeking medical care, especially if they are facing challenges beyond just physical pain, Rae highly recommends Dr. Cohen. “He genuinely cares about his patients,” she says. “If you need someone who not only knows what they’re doing but who will be there for you in your time of need, Dr. Cohen is the one to see.”
In the end, it wasn’t just the medical care that made Dr. Cohen stand out—it was his humanity, his empathy, and the support he provided when Rae needed it most. “I will always remember his kindness, and I am so grateful for everything he did for me and my family.”
