Emily Brong of Palmerton recently welcomed special guests to Leiby’s Ice Cream House in South Tamaqua, where she works as a hostess.

Brong, 27, a Bayada Home Care client and advocate, greeted state Sen. David Argall and state Reps. Dane Watro and Doyle Heffley, whom she had met during Advocacy Day in Harrisburg.

In discussions with the state lawmakers, she aimed to foster conversation on expanding access to vital services and shaping policies that better support Pennsylvania residents who rely on home health care.

For Brong, it was an opportunity to show how home care services allow individuals with complex medical needs to live, work and contribute to their communities.

In 2014, Brong was in a vehicle crash on the way to a softball practice and suffered a traumatic brain injury that left her significantly impaired, unable to speak and paralyzed on the left side of her body.

In a situation where many would have given up, she persevered and worked hard to regain the abilities that most take for granted.

Brong received intensive occupational and speech therapy, and home nursing care from her tireless cheerleader and companion since 2015, Tamie Sturgis, a Bayada nurse.

Because of the support of her nurses, Brong is able to maintain her job, engage locally and advocate for others who rely on home health care.

“It is good to know that even when we are away from them, they will always be there for me and show up when they say they will,” Brong said.