Patient Success Story

At UC Health, we are honored to care for patients at every stage of life—including those who have lived through a century of history. When reflecting on a life well-lived, it’s often the connections we’ve built and the opportunities we say “yes” to.

For one resident at Bridgeway Pointe, these themes are very much a part of his journey—from his early days in science and management to his transition into the role of a deacon, and now, his experiences at both Bridgeway Pointe and the Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care. Mike, who recently celebrated his 100^th birthday, shares his story.

A Life Rooted in Science and Service

From his early days as a pre-med student at Tufts University to his World War II Army service as a surgical technician, Mike’s life has been defined by service, learning, and unexpected opportunities. He met Jean, his late wife of more than 75 years, a 1^st Lieutenant serving as a Nurse Anesthetist while serving at the same Army hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Mike, who held the rank of Sergeant and was a young man from Boston, was enamored with Jean, who grew up on an Iowa farm.

After graduating college in 1948, Mike found getting into medical school challenging. So, he, Jean, and their 6-month-old son, Tim, headed to Louisville, Kentucky.

When medical school did not come to fruition, Mike and Jean went on to become parents to five more children. With a background in chemistry, his career evolved into quality control work in the lab at National Distillers, but his natural inclination toward leadership and people led him to a career in personnel management. In 1970, the Ascolese family moved to Cincinnati from Louisville while Mike’s career progressed.

“You know, you won't be looking for a job or a promotion, they’ll be thrown your way sometimes. Don’t turn them down…You never know what's going to pop up in your profession, you got to be ready to make a decision,” said Mike.

His passion for serving others only deepened when he became a Catholic permanent deacon, a role he held for over 45 years that allowed him to forge meaningful connections and guide people through some of the most significant moments of their lives. Today, he holds senior status, assists as a reader at weekly Mass, and continues to counsel his fellow residents when called on. He continues to meet people who recall being baptized or married by him decades ago—proof of the lasting impact of his service. Mike remembers, “I've had [people] come up and say, ‘You married us 40 years ago’”.

Incredibly, a staff member at Bridgeway was even baptized by Mike, something they realized while speaking one evening. 

The Bridgeway Pointe Experience

After making the decision to transition from his longtime home, he moved to Bridgeway Pointe in May of 2023. After visiting other assisted living communities, the choice was clear: Bridgeway Pointe offered a welcoming community, dedicated staff, and an environment encouraging engagement and care.

“At Bridgeway Pointe, our mission is to connect residents, families, and associates to a community dedicated to individual wellness”, said Stephanie D’Amico, Director of Nursing at Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care.

Over time, Mike has formed strong bonds with several staff members, including Andrea, Melissa, Kristie, and nurse supervisor Doug, who assist him with daily routines and make life at Bridgeway comfortable and fulfilling.

Additionally, the sense of camaraderie extends to the breakfast club—a group of gentlemen with whom he dines each morning, exchanging lively discussions and support.

Tim shared, “He has a group of buddies in the morning that [he] meets for breakfast. The breakfast club.”        

The Role of Physical Therapy

His journey with physical therapy has been an ongoing commitment to maintaining mobility and independence. Over the past two years, he has undergone several rounds of physical therapy at the Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care, working primarily with therapists Jonathan Nugent and Naomi Norris, as well as additional sessions with Erica Ward.

“I always enjoyed working with Mike because our sessions were filled with entertaining conversations. At one session, I teased Mike that he could be Santa Claus. Mike informed me he played Santa Claus at the age of 8 at his elementary school play,” Naomi shared.

Despite a torn rotator cuff and increasing arthritis, these sessions have helped him build strength, improve posture, and maintain his ability to move comfortably. Jonathan even recommended a tall walker to help with his posture, a small but significant adaptation that has made a difference.

Jonathan said, “Mike has been a truly inspiring patient on multiple levels. I started working with Mike when he was a young man of 96 years. I was amazed at his stamina and positive attitude from the start.  His attendance has been perfect through multiple episodes of care. I don’t recall Mike ever complaining of being too tired or sore to exercise, even though he was treated for typically painful conditions. He has been delightful to work with and has inspired me to “want to be like Mike” when I (hopefully) become a nonagenarian/centenarian.”

More recently, after experiencing a few falls—though fortunately without any major injuries—he qualified for in-house physical and occupational therapy at Bridgeway. Now, instead of traveling to Drake, therapists come directly to his apartment and the facility’s workroom, providing targeted care within his everyday environment. The new therapy plan will be more intensive and include occupational therapy, ensuring that his mobility and strength remain as stable as possible.

A Lifetime of Meaningful Encounters

Mike’s life has been filled with stories of faith, family, and exploration. He and Jean traveled to 49 states, much of Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Panama Canal. They even spent 5 weeks traveling around Europe for five weeks, including Italy, Austria, Germany, and France.  Beyond these adventures, he has remained deeply connected to the communities he has cultivated, with science forever remaining in his orbit. Many years after retiring, Mike ended up teaching medical students at the UC College of Medicine’s Simulation Center, where his daughter Jacqueline still works today.  He believes in the importance of really looking at a patient before diving in and asking questions.

Throughout his life, he has held a strong and constant faith. When asked what wisdom he would like to share, he responds with a simple yet profound belief: There are no accidents. He sees every moment as part of a greater plan, each person placed in the right place at the right time, fulfilling a purpose that may only become clear over time.

His story is a beautiful reminder of the importance of staying engaged, embracing change, and continuing to serve in whatever ways we can—even as life’s engine shows signs of wear. Through Bridgeway Pointe, Drake, and the steadfast support of his family, he continues to move forward, step by step.