‘Amazing transformation’: Wetumpka police chaplain in remission, celebrated by community

PELHAM, Ala. (WSFA) - A Wetumpka police chaplain is celebrating a major milestone and the community he has spent years serving showed up to celebrate with him.

John Gallups rang the discharge bell Friday at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County, marking the end of an intense rehabilitation stay and the next step in his remarkable recovery.

Just two weeks ago, Gallups couldn’t walk on his own. After intense therapy, he walked out on his own two feet.

“He is in such better shape than he was two weeks ago, so it’s been an amazing transformation,” said his wife, Angie Gallups.

Gallups’ road to that bell was anything but easy.

Last April, he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Follicular Lymphoma. He was also diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis — a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells, causing neurological problems.

At one point, Gallups couldn’t communicate. After an infusion treatment at UAB Hospital, he began whispering to his loved ones — a small but powerful sign of progress.

He is now in remission.

“It’s a long haul to get back and most people don’t survive it,” Angie said. “But we know that God is with us all the way.”

Gallups is a former police officer who has spent years serving his community.

In 2018, he founded the One-to-One Foundation, a peer-based program designed to support vulnerable officers before they reach a crisis point.

On Friday, the community he built through that foundation returned the favor.

When Gallups rang the discharge bell, officers from the Wetumpka Police Department were waiting for him, a surprise that left a lasting impression.

“They’re an amazing group of guys,” Angie said. “They came and visited him once a week when we were at home and he loves them and they love him.”

John Gallups has spent years showing up for others. Friday, they showed up for him.

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