Choctaw Nation
Kendra Sikes
DURANT – Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) discharged a special patient last week. Doyle Springs spent 221 days in a healthcare facility due to COVID-19. A combination of the Choctaw Nation Health Care Center and a rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma City, 42 of those days were on a ventilator. He fought back to regain his health and strength.
Pre-COVID, Doyle was a retiree from the Purcell Fire Department and working for the Chickasaw Nation. When not at work, he tended to his small farm, complete with donkeys and a small pig. He is looking forward to adding a mini-Australian Shepherd puppy named Cowboy to the farm upon his return home.
“When I first met Doyle, he was barely able to lift his fingers. He had to be fed and assisted in and out of bed. He progressed slowly and worked hard to be able to feed and dress himself,” says Shiann Bryce, Registered Nurse for Choctaw Nation. “Throughout the whole situation, he has kept the best attitude. He’s been so uplifting and such a blessing to me and all the staff at the Choctaw Nation that has met him.”
“I am proud of him for being a Tushka Chahta (Choctaw warrior),” says Chief Gary Batton.
While in the hospital with COVID-19, Doyle’s brother Danny passed away from the same disease. He did not learn about his passing until a month after. Doyle looks forward to returning to church and “getting in my chair,” he adds with a smile. “I’m really really thankful for the Choctaw Nation and the help that they gave me. I’m proud to be a Choctaw Nation member.”
The Choctaw Nation staff surprised Doyle with a sendoff of joyful claps and cheers as he walked out to his ride home. “They wheeled me in, but I’m walking out,” he said enthusiastically. “I’m really thankful for the Choctaw Nation and the help that they gave me. I’m proud to be a Choctaw Nation member.”