11/17/2025
After a life-changing cancer diagnosis, Chris Wellman faced a long and difficult road to recovery. Surgeons removed nearly three-quarters of his esophagus along with surrounding lymph nodes.
Following six days in the hospital and two months relying on a feeding tube, Chris lost more than 40 pounds and much of his strength. Once an avid golfer and active contractor, he found himself weak, uncertain and unable to do many of the things he loved.
When Chris began our ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation program at our NovaCare Rehabilitation in Partnership with AtlantiCare center in Northfield, New Jersey, he described himself as “a shell” of who he once was. But with the help of our physical therapists, that changed.
Together, they focused on building endurance, regaining strength and restoring confidence, with a clear goal in mind: getting back on the golf course.
“About four weeks in, I started to feel like, ‘I got this,’” Chris said.
Today, Chris continues to rebuild his strength and has returned to hitting golf balls at the driving range, a milestone he once thought was far away.
“I have not reached my goals yet, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Chris said.
