Baje Whitethorne, Sr.

Baje Whitethorne, Sr. lived an active life as a working artist before suffering from COVID-19 and a heart attack

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.

Baje’s desire to get well and become stronger reminded him of a piece of artwork he created titled “Evening Skies, Two Yei’s.” The movement in the painting above the mesa, in its swirling representation, shows the cold winter air pushing out the summer months’ heat. “Once the cold and heat collide, it is like dancing,” noted Baje.

‘Evening Skies, Two Yei’s’ by Baje Whitethorne, Sr.

The movement reminded him of the healing process. “When illness comes, so does healing. Just like the cold air pushes away the heat of summer, healing pushes out what illness brings,” Baje noted. “In times of illness, you are confronted. You have to make the choice: that you have in yourself the energy and thoughts to confront illness and heal yourself.”

Baje decided to donate that piece of artwork to RHNA to be a source of motivation for other patients. “It is a representation of the healing that takes place at RHNA,” Baje added.

Baje recalled his time at RHNA with fondness. “I felt like I already knew everybody there,” he said. “It was like having a personal gang to help me. It was great talking with Jon, the CEO, on a regular basis, and the kitchen staff makes good food. Nobody pampers you. They encourage you to move, and you have to move in order to learn more movement. You can’t give up. You’ve got to tell yourself you can move your legs. I told myself, ‘I have a business to run and artwork that is not finished, not framed. I have art to get back to.'”

“Everybody played in role in my recovery, and everybody had their unique way of getting me to do things. The first time walking the full length of the hallways felt so good that I could do it. Even when I tried to get in the wheelchair on my own, I felt everyone was supportive of me and didn’t make me feel bad.”

“Thanks to RHNA, I have been able to get up the stairs to my studio. I have been able to cut mats for a painting and put [the painting] together without any flaws. I have been able to ride a stationary bike for 12 minutes at level four. I so look forward to the day that I can start running again and ride my bike outdoors. It has nearly taken six months to actually feel like I can move like I once did.”

Baje reminds others, “Don’t be angry. It takes you to heal yourself, and it takes you to get things done. You can do this for yourself and others.” Baje’s wife, Patty, also relayed her gratitude, stating, “Our family is grateful and appreciative of the care he received here (RHNA).”

“Don’t use the word ‘can’t,'” Baje added when asked for his advice to others. “It’s not a word to deal with. You have to do it (push yourself) to get things done, and you know you are going to go somewhere. My heart is getting stronger every day when I didn’t think it would be strong again.”

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