Richard Ocker, 88, of Carlisle has always had a passion for endurance and overcoming obstacles. For decades, the Shippensburg University alumnus has coached track and field athletes at schools and universities across Cumberland County.
But little did he know that one day he’d face the ultimate endurance test of his life – recovery from a near-fatal car accident. And he wouldn’t do it alone – his beloved wife Esther would go through the journey alongside him.
In June 2024, the couple was driving home from a funeral when their lives changed instantly. A drunk driver struck their car, launching them into a grueling months-long journey full of emergency surgeries, leg amputations and long stretches of recovery across multiple hospitals and rehabilitation facilities throughout central Pennsylvania.
“Our love has sustained us through this ordeal, but there are moments where we have to lift each other up to keep going,” Richard said. “I help Esther when she’s feeling weary and needs physical support. But Esther, she’s always been the spiritual warrior. She lifts me up when I’m feeling down. In that sense, we complement each other perfectly.”
Laurie Barrick, Richard and Esther’s daughter and a nurse and care coordinator at UPMC Carlisle, was told by a trauma surgeon that if her parents hadn’t been in such great shape for their age, they would likely have not survived the accident. It’s that inspirational journey from hospital heartache to hope at home that moves people so deeply.
“My parents have always been my heroes. Everyone who hears their story walks away transformed,” Laurie said.
Recovery, Reunion and Rehabilitation
During the nearly six months spanning the accident to their eventual return home, Richard and Esther — married for more than six and a half decades — were often separated for their individual surgeries, treatments and rehabilitation stays. Still, with the help of their family and care teams, they found creative ways to stay connected and support each other like video calls and lunch dates in each other’s hospital rooms.
The acute rehabilitation unit on the third floor of UPMC Carlisle helps patients prepare to navigate life at home as they recover from a variety of injuries and ailments. Whether it’s getting in and out of a car, preparing a meal, doing laundry, getting in and out of bed or using the bathroom, the team takes their responsibility seriously.
“The staff were energetic and supportive of us as we built up our strength,” Richard recalled. “They were kind and patient and treated us just how you would expect to be treated in that situation.”
“The staff went above and beyond to help my parents,” Laurie said. She particularly recalls an impactful visit with occupational therapist John Williams, who came to the Ockers’ house to educate Laurie and her siblings on the changes that would be needed to accommodate their parents’ wheelchairs at home.
Today, the Ockers are living independently at home, but Laurie still feels the support of her coworkers, who frequently stop her in the hallways to ask about her parents.
“Not only did the staff make an impact on my parents, but my parents left an impact on them,” Laurie said. “The encouragement the rehabilitation staff provides to their patients is unmatched, and I think it’s these inspiring stories of patients progressing that moves them to continue their important work.”
Giving Back Instead of Giving Up
Today, Richard and Esther aren’t just recovering; they’re giving back.
They share their story with anyone who will listen, whether it’s members of their church, or athletes from local schools and universities. The couple sees their survival as a second chance to share a message of hope, resilience and the life-altering consequences of reckless decisions.
When they first met at the Carlisle Fair in 1957, Richard couldn’t have imagined a future where they would be learning to use a wheelchair or walk with their prosthetic legs after surviving a horrific tragedy, but he said he and his wife’s devout faith has sustained their marriage through all of life’s challenges.
“I pray for opportunities to share our story and faith with the community,” Richard said. “If our testimony helps even just one person avoid a life-altering mistake or fatal injury, then I can see a purpose for going through what we’ve gone through.”
This Valentine’s Day, the Ockers’ story serves as a testament to the power of love, faith and perseverance—especially when life takes an unexpected turn.
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