INDIANAPOLIS (WTH)R — Rodney Stepp has been a performer and keyboardist for over four decades in Indy and around the world playing for celebrities and the like. But a date he’ll never forget is March 23, 2020.
“I ... wasn’t responsive," he said. "My fever went up to about 103, 104, and that’s when we had an idea something was wrong. We went into the ER. They admitted me, and they tested me and I was positive.”
He had COVID-19 and was put on a ventilator for two weeks with around-the-clock medical care.
“I heard they were playing my music over and over, just talking to me," he said.
In April, his longtime friend and another local entertainer, singer Staci McCrackin, organized a drive-by prayer vigil outside IU North.
“They told me there was over 200 people, or 200 cars, whatever, were out there," he said. "They drove by, put out flags and notes."
He was in a coma for two weeks.
“I don’t really remember a lot of things about when I did come out," Stepp said. "I do remember that I didn’t know who I was, where I was, what I was doing, almost anything, and it did take me a couple of days to get my bearings."
His sister-in-law Danita Allen tested positive for coronavirus too, and so did his wife, Sheena.
“I had no idea that when I was in ICU, my wife was on the fifth floor at IU North, and she was in the hospital for four days," Stepp said. "But she kept everybody informed. She was so stressed, but she did, Sheena, she was my lifeline."
After 30 days at the hospital, the spirited music of clapping and cheers echoed from the fifth floor of his room, down to the ICU and PCU floors and out the door.
"They had me on a stretcher, and everybody that treated me wanted to see me," Stepp said.
Hospital staff celebrated the release of who they now call their "miracle patient.”
“Every time the elevator opened, they would play ‘Here Comes The Sun’ by the Beatles," he said.
"Oh, ... it almost breaks my, excuse me. It always brings tears to my eyes now," Stepp said through tears.
Next stop was Community Hospital for 10 days of rehab.
“My motor skills, you know I play piano and stuff, are really shaky. It’s like my nerves, my hands get to trembling if I hold them out," he said.
After a total of 40 days healing from COVID-19, it was time to go home.
“My energy level, the breathing, they say it’s going to be the thing that’s going to take the most time. I’ve had to do everything over again," Stepp said. "I’ve had to learn how to walk, learn how to swallow, believe it or not."
And he couldn’t believe that from each street corner and sidewalk, his neighbors showed their love when he returned home.
Rodney prays for the thousands of people who have died from COVID-19.
“You don’t want it," he said. "If this thing gets ahold of you, it might not let go."
Stepps also thanks God for “The Comeback," allowing him to testify about his goodness and grace, and eventually allowing him to step back into the limelight with The Flying Toasters and his Steppin’ out Band with new music from a new perspective.
“That song is coming. It’s definitely coming," he said.
Stepp's underlying condition before contracting COVID-19 was high blood pressure. He continues home health therapy, rehab and has dialysis three times a week to help improve his kidneys. He lost 50 pounds. You can listen to his music here.
If you have a COVID-19-related story of resiliency and inspiration email Andrea: thecomeback@wthr.com.