10-year-old Bowen Rodman eats, sleeps and breathes sports. He’s played baseball, football and soccer, but his greatest love is wrestling. Showing grit and maturity beyond his years, Bowen pushed himself in therapy to overcome acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a rare neurological disorder that causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. Therapy played on his competitive spirit and beloved hobbies to help him regain strength and feeling in his arms and legs. Now, Bowen is thrilled to be back on the baseball diamond and the wrestling mat. He hopes his story will encourage future pediatric patients in the same way the Goal Awards wall inspired him during his time at Madonna.

After a traumatic ATV accident in May 2023, 20-year-old Dalton Hazlett was given a near-zero chance of survival due to a severe brain injury and multiple fractures. Arriving at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals unable to walk, talk, or eat, he began an intense program utilizing technology like the Armeo®Power and Microsoft HoloLens. His care team developed a challenge-based therapy program tailored to his athletic background. With support from his family and community, Dalton progressed steadily through Madonna’s continuum of care. Now in college and driving again, Dalton credits faith, resilience, and his care team for helping him become a beacon of hope.

Seventeen-year-old Grace Pauley is thriving in her senior year, balancing student council, group speech, FFA, volleyball managing and her role as Miss Pottawattamie County Fair Queen. Just two years ago, her future was uncertain after a September 2023 car accident left her with a severe brain injury. Grace spent 108 days at Madonna, arriving in a minimally conscious state. With specialized therapies, support from her care team, and relentless dedication from her family, she relearned how to walk, talk, eat and breathe independently. Now on track to graduate with her class, Grace continues to inspire through advocacy and volunteer work. Recently, she was honored with Madonna’s prestigious Goal Award and served as honorary race captain for the Miles for Madonna 5K.

After sustaining a complete spinal cord injury in a serious dirt bike accident, 17-year-old Justin Metzger was worried his dreams of running his family farm would be in jeopardy. His Madonna care team centered therapies on adaptive ways to get into specialty equipment and strengthening his muscles to perform daily chores from a wheelchair-level. Madonna’s driving simulator boosted his confidence using hand controls. After Madonna, Justin and his family worked quickly to modify their farm equipment. He is now able to play an active role in the family business, and plans on studying Ag Management in college.

“My care team pushed me to reach my goals, which is why I am where I am today,” he said.

After a chiropractic adjustment caused a stroke, then 24-year-old Kylee Mueller was left unable to move, speak or breathe on her own. At Madonna, she began on a ventilator and feeding tube, but through intensive therapy and advanced technology — including EyeGaze, body-weight support treadmill, and Armeo®Power — she gradually relearned to communicate, move and walk. Kylee now speaks on her own, walks with arm crutches, is back to work and continues therapy. She was recently honored with the Nebraska Stroke Association Recognition for Community Support, celebrating her resilience, leadership and dedication to supporting fellow survivors. As a Goal Award honoree, she will continue inspiring her care team and future Madonna patients with her humor and positive spirit.

In October 2023, just four days after giving birth to her second child, 30-year-old Lainie Linafelter experienced severe head pain and sustained multiple strokes. She came to Madonna’s specialized stroke program to focus on caring for her newborn and family – practicing tasks like changing diapers, feeding and even pushing a stroller. Lainie also completed on-the-job training in Madonna’s pharmacy to prepare for returning to her career. Today, Lainie cherishes life with her husband and pours her energy into her two young kids. She is also proud to serve as an inspiration for others on their road to recovery.