THERE IS a servant’s heart in this community whose mission in life centers around healing and revitalizing their hometown one day at a time. This selflessness has touched many hearts and has opened doors of opportunity for many who thought they would never see the light of day.
Born and raised in Winchester, Becky Campbell’s passion for her community strengthens with each day. A deeply personal experience sparked her journey to becoming a physical therapist: her mother’s battle with a brain tumor.
At just 10 years old, Campbell witnessed her mother battle this illness and stood by her side, navigating the unfamiliar terrain of medical treatments and rehabilitation. During this time, she saw the incredible impact physical therapy had on her mother’s recovery. That experience planted the seeds of her career path. She was determined to make a positive impact on the lives of others in the same way she had witnessed firsthand.
“I remember just sitting there on the side, going, ‘Wow, you know, I want to be a part of that. I want to do that. I want to impact somebody’s life like that,’” she recalled.
Campbell has spent countless years helping the community in various capacities, and her dedication to the community’s well-being is not exclusive to her role as a physical therapist. For her, hometown healing is a daily effort inside and outside of the Southern Tennessee Regional Health System.
When her children began playing sports, she endearingly became the sports teams’ mom, nurse, therapist, and athletic trainer.
“I just tried to use something that I’ve been blessed with, which is the ability to do therapy and the knowledge of how to help someone or to assess them and find out what they need, whether it be to go to a physician or to work on this or work on that. I would bring the first-aid kit for the abrasions or the sprains, and I got my own backpack and started collecting stuff for injuries.”
Her tireless efforts to provide top-notch care are recognized with the prestigious LifePoint Mercy Award. Named in honor of Scott Mercy, a devoted individual whose legacy lives on through this award, it recognizes those who exhibit exceptional compassion, service excellence, and a commitment to going above and beyond.
“I feel very honored that my hospital co-workers thought enough of me to nominate me. I come to work every day not to win an award because I’m rewarded every day,” Becky said, her humility and dedication shining through.
Recognizing the gaps in accessibility to vital equipment, Becky spearheaded an initiative to repurpose and redistribute medical aids to those in need. She initiated an equipment donation program, ensuring that individuals in need have access to vital resources. Her drive to empower patients is matched only by her desire to educate her community. From instructing balance classes for senior citizens to engaging in various health fairs, Becky’s influence ripples through the lives of those she touches.
When asked about the concept of hometown healing, Becky emphasized the personal touch that comes with providing care in a close-knit community.
“You take pride in taking care of your own community. You’re invested by the relationships you treat,” she explained. In her eyes, each patient isn’t just a case; they’re family.
Becky acknowledged the challenges inherent in her field, particularly navigating insurance battles and finding ways to provide the best care within limitations. Her approach, however, remains unchanged — open your eyes and be willing to invest the time to understand each individual’s needs.
As she reflected on her career, Becky remained resolute in her commitment to her calling.
“I just want to be the best leader, the best co-worker, the best mentor and therapist that I can be,” she said. Her legacy is one of heartfelt care, healing, compassion, and community.
In this small town of Franklin County, medical professionals, servants, and leaders like Becky Campbell spend each day spreading hope and healing. Through her dedication to service and hometown healing, she reminds us all that sometimes, the most profound impact can be made in our very own hometown.
“There’s such joy in making a difference. Being a part of that — not everybody gets that opportunity. I was blessed to be healthy and be able to learn therapy and learn about the human body and have this opportunity. And I just want to give back.” GN
