Baje Whitethrone, Sr. has lived a very active lifestyle. A working artist for over forty years, Baje is the author of two children’s books and illustrator of nine children’s picture books. He has also created various pieces of canvased art. Baje said, “I wanted to share my life from the reservation and share stories through my art. There was a lot of learning to make and share the work and make it a small business. With the blessing of my wife and family, I have been able to do that.” In addition to his artwork, Baje remained physically active, running six miles and biking 12 miles a day.

Then, Baje’s health took a downturn.

“My heart was pounding, and I couldn’t breathe,” Baje said, recalling how his journey began. “My son had to call the EMTs, and that’s when they found that I had COVID. While at the hospital, I had a heart attack. I was on a ventilator for a week. I was so debilitated from my illness. My ability to walk and mobility really suffered.”

Extremely weak as a result of his extensive hospitalization, doctors recommended an inpatient rehabilitation stay. Baje turned to Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona (RHNA) to help him regain his strength and independence. At RHNA, Baje would receive the concentrated therapies he needed to improve the weakness he developed from prolonged illness and the therapy he needed to strengthen his heart.

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