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Stevenson Skrzypek, a firefighter and veteran, has always been inspired to help others. In fact, he was training for a charity boxing event in March 2023 when he sustained a severe brain injury. Despite little hope of survival initially, Steve and his wife never gave up and worked through many phases of Madonna’s continuum of care.
From Friday Night Lights to stroke survivor in just a few hours – Aaron Vaeao’s traumatic journey turned into a tale of perspective. A coach for Lee’s Summit North High School, a simple drive home following the game took an unexpected turn. As he struggled with vision, speech and lost movement on his left side, he came to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals’ specialized stroke program to regain his independence. He also realized that his high blood pressure was something worth paying closer attention too. During American Heart Month, we wanted to highlight that just like on the football field, Aaron’s relentless attitude wouldn’t let him stay sidelined for long.
Back in Big Stone City, South Dakota, Fred Hunt sees himself as just a regular Joe for the most part. But in March of 2023, a slip and fall on the ice during his first milk haul of the day left him with an incomplete spinal cord injury. Fred came to Madonna seeking a level of independence that allowed him to once again enjoy the outdoor activities he loved. Throughout his eight months at Madonna, the 60-year-old utilized Madonna’s full continuum of care to navigate his new normal. Read his recovery journey here:
Jerad Hawkins sustained a spinal cord injury in a diving accident at the Lake of the Ozarks in September. Despite the life-altering accident, Jerad held onto his sense of humor, tenacity, and determination to recover. "I had to chase the process and try to figure out what works for me,” Jerad said. “I didn’t get too high, didn’t get too low and was excited about the small achievements, but was never too happy to quit."
Haley Meeks is known to most for her bubbly personality and her need for independence. After a serious car accident, she came to Madonna seeking guidance on how to return to her life roles. Time spent on several pieces of advanced rehabilitation technology and in Madonna’s therapy kitchen and transitional living apartment provided opportunities for Haley to flourish. Here’s a peak into her journey, one full of resiliency and charisma.
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