Tom Mervine Jr.: A life of challenging recovery
By SAUL RESNICK
For The Sun
How do you handle a drastic, sudden change in a busy, productive life which impacts your physical and mental capabilities? How do you accept your life turned upside down in a moment, and then the challenging rehabilitation which follows?
Haddonfield 65 Club past president (circa 2011) Tom Mervine Jr. knows — first hand. And his story is one of inspiration and dedication, and the human spirit.
Community Service
Today Tom is an active member of the Haddonfield 65 Club as well as the Haddonfield Lions Club, and contributes time, effort and financial resources to both clubs’ many charitable and community activities. Tom’s wife, Deborah, is equally involved in community service, leading the Haddon Fortnightly’s evening membership department, and was a former president of the Haddonfield Historic Society, in which she is still active.
10 Years Ago
A decade ago things were different for the Mervines. “As I look back 10 years ago I see myself leading a thriving business as a health care consultant, long days of pressure-filled work, and seemingly endless daily deadlines to meet,” recalls Tom. “Then one evening things changed radically. After going to dinner with Deborah, I suffered some cramps, felt what I thought was a muscle pull, and went to bed.
The Stroke
“I woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. I couldn’t make it. My body would not get me there. My legs gave way. It was then, with some panic, I told Deborah something was wrong and we drove to Cooper Hospital in Camden. Barely making it, I entered the emergency room, was immediately diagnosed as having a debilitating stroke (by a doctor who happened to be a member of my church), and entered a new scary, mysterious stage of my life. Parts of my body simply stopped functioning. My legs gave way, one arm did the same, and a feeling of helplessness and lack of awareness set in.”
For Tom, it was the ultimate moment of truth. He was about to embark on a new, challenging change in life.
But something else set in. “I told myself I would fully recover,” Tom recalled with a sense of determination.
After Effects & Rehab
“For several days when I sat up, I had to be strapped into a chair, so I would not fall over,” said Tom. “I was paralyzed on my left side, extending down through my left leg. My right side recovered. I lost my mental capabilities, and I remembered nothing. Then, I was transferred to Our Lady of
Lourdes Hospital for rehabilitation for three weeks. With therapy my mental and physical functions began to return. But my left side and left leg remained injured until this day, and I use a cane to get around.
Home
“I was home in a month, determined not to let this detour or defeat me,” said Tom. “I made up my mind to beat this thing which hit me, and to lead a full life again. AND I HAVE. With adjustments. I was an active active golfer, bowler and swimmer before the stroke; much less so, now.
Success in life, career
Before the stroke Tom and Deborah had built a successful life in business and with family. Tom’s business in Haddonfield, Mervine Consulting, in which he successfully worked for hospitals and nursing homes seeking reimbursements for Medicare and Medicaid related services, was thriving. Their family includes a daughter, Christopher and her two children, who live in Haddonfield, and a son, Tom 3rd.
A long-time Haddonfield resident, Tom was born in Philadelphia in 1942, at Jefferson Hospital, where his dad, Dr. Thomas Mervine practiced general surgery for about a half century. Tom earned degrees at Temple University in biology (BA) in 1966, and health care administration (MBA) in 1971. Deborah, meanwhile earned a journalism degree at Temple in 1966.
Looking back, Tom recalled the best thing that happened to him at Temple.
“I met Deborah, who has been with me through all the good times, and most importantly has been a pillar of strength and constant encouragement for me when I suffered my stroke, and ever since. Love can be defined in many ways, and Deborah has provided that and more for me throughout our lives.”
Deborah’s take on Tom
“Tom is a very special human being, with a fighting spirit, which until his stroke I never fully appreciated. It’s amazing when you see what he’s gone through and the spunk he’s brought to the tasks of living and recovery. He’s a wonderful example for others to follow, who have been struck by catastrophe. Tom has taken a different tack by treating his experience as another phase of life and learning what inner strength and persevering can achieve. I am so proud of him.”
This is another in the series The Sun is running about people who make significant contributions to the Haddonfield community. If you are interested in joining the Haddonfield 65 Club, contact Bill Brown at 429–4368 or by email at Billbrown08033@aol.com.
