Stroke Patient Returns as Providence Caregiver

SPOKANE, Wash. — When Enoch Machora arrived at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in July 2025 following a massive stroke, he was not sure what the future might hold.  

The former in-home medical caregiver suddenly found himself in need of care.  

Unable to move parts of his body and losing his ability to see or speak, he was overcome with fear he may never recover.  

He says that fear was quelled by the grace of his Providence caregivers and a spiritual calling. 

His situation was dire. Machora spent 15 days in the hospital, in and out of consciousness and at times unable to communicate. However, his sense of hearing never went away. Even though he could not communicate back, Enoch could hear his nurses talking about the care they were providing, including medication to keep him comfortable. He even highlights one nurse who stayed by his bedside for 24 hours straight so he would not be alone. 

“In one of the most vulnerable periods of my life, they cared for me with dignity,” he said.  

In the moments without clarity on his future, Machora talked to God. As he slowly started to regain his senses and ability to move, he felt relief. In that moment he asked, “God, what is it that you still want me to do? Please show me why you have allowed me to continue living.” 

The answer he received?  Work here.  

Answering the Call 

Machora eventually became well enough to be transferred to Providence St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Medical Center. Over the course of five months, he continued his recovery, eventually regaining the use of his limbs and relearning to write and talk.  

By the end of 2025, he took the first steps towards his new goal and enrolled in a certified nursing assistant course.  

“I had a particular purpose in mind -- to work for Providence, especially Sacred Heart Medical Center, in response to the calling I believed I had received,” said Machora. 

However, a new position needed to be filled quickly at an assisted living facility in Stevens County. Machora, eager to return to work, quickly accepted.  

However, just three days into his new role, Machora fell ill again and was rushed to Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chewelah.  

There he would learn he was suffering from another stroke and was to be immediately airlifted back to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.  

“As we landed on top of Sacred Heart Medical Center, I again sensed the message that had stayed with me after my first hospitalization: “Enoch, why are you being stubborn? I told you that you are supposed to work here,” Machora recalls. 

He would go on to spend one more month at Sacred Heart Medical Center, alongside caregivers and a facility that became his refuge from his life-threatening illness. 

“It was more than a hospital," Machora said. "The people here cared for me in every way." 

Again, he recovered. And this time, he wasted no time in heeding the call.  He applied to work at Sacred Heart Medical Center and was quickly accepted.  

Coming Home 

Machora credits his quick recovery to the outstanding medical and spiritual care at Providence. He comes to work with gratitude and a renewed purpose.  

"I saw that the caregivers here are different,” he says. “They're compassionate. They listen and respond. It is a different kind of training. They are so caring and give you more than just the professional aspect of care.” 

That care he received as a patient continues to shape the caregiver he strives to be. 

“I know what it feels like to lie in a hospital bed, unable to move, speak, or explain what is happening inside you,” he says. “I also know how much comfort comes from a gentle voice, a patient explanation, and the presence of someone who cares.” 

Today, Machora works in the Pediatric Emergency Department. He says walking through the doors as a caregiver feels like home.  

He adds, “God’s providence is amazing.”