Kay Kustanbauter

Last June, Kay Kustanbauter fell and broke six ribs. It was a painful pause for her busy life. She is deeply involved in the Penn State and Centre County community, having served as the executive director of the Nittany Lion Club before her retirement and currently serving as the vice chair of Mount Nittany Health Foundation’s Board of Directors. It was also an unexpected hiatus of her favorite sport: golf.

Fortunately for her – and her golf game – Valley View Short‑Term Rehab was ready to get her back to the life she loves.

“Everything was so timely at Valley View,” she said. “I was in so much discomfort when I got there but I never had to wait for pain medication or mealtimes.”

During her week’s stay, she had customized therapy sessions with Valley View’s physical therapy team. “My therapist helped me deal with what I could and could not do. He is a golfer too and he warned me that I might feel like I could hit the ball when I went back home, but I needed to take it step by step and maybe use my putter first.”

She said that the exercises helped her get back to her life, and to the game she loves. In mid‑October, just four and a half months after her fall, Kay went on a much‑anticipated annual golf trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, with her friends. She says it was an event that she didn’t want to miss, and with the therapy and rehabilitation she had, she says that she was able to enjoy the trip and get back on the golf course “with no issues at all.”

She says that she learned about Valley View from a friend who had a great experience and wants to pass on the recommendations. “Everyone is so friendly and helpful. The care is great, the food is great, the atmosphere is good, and the vistas are so beautiful. I love the mountains, so it was quite nice.”

This article is part of our Spring/Summer 2026 Newsletter. You can read the rest of this issue here.