A Second Chance at Life: Steve’s Journey to Recovery
Steve’s life was forever changed by a sudden onset of sepsis that led to the amputation of both legs and both hands. Despite the challenges he faced, Steve’s unwavering determination, strong support system, and positive mindset have enabled him to walk again and regain his independence. Through his resilience and belief in himself, Steve has not only survived but has thrived, finding strength, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Experiencing Sepsis
On February 22, 2022, Steve attended his grandson’s basketball tournament. That night, he woke up feeling horrible. By the following day, Steve could not get out of bed and found himself in the emergency room with a sudden onset of sepsis. He coded for 24 minutes and went into a coma. Steve’s family was told he had a limited chance of survival. But Steve was strong, and three weeks later, he woke up from his coma. The efforts to save Steve’s life led to necrosis, a lack of oxygen and blood supply to his limbs. The trauma led to the amputation of both his hands and legs.
“I was thankful to be alive. I chose right then to focus on what I can do and not what I can’t do anymore. That’s where I was going to spend my energy,” said Steve.
The Road to Recovery
Steve’s journey to healing began with the invaluable support of his family. Their unwavering love and encouragement have been instrumental in his mental and physical well-being.
“I am a husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather. From the moment I was in the hospital, my family was by my side. My wife, Sherry, has been so supportive. We’ve been married a long time and were already strong partners. She makes me look stronger than I am, and I don’t know what I would be like without her support. Sherry and my family are such a large part of my successful journey,” shared Steve.
Additionally, Steve found a powerful ally in his Dallas Hanger Clinic team of Danica Nordstrom, CPO, Pat McGahey, CPO, Kendra Krupp, MSOP, and Jessica Satosek, MPO. Their expertise, compassion, and belief in Steve’s abilities have been crucial in his rehabilitation.
“I knew right away it wasn’t just a business for Danica and that she would take care of me like a friend, providing me the best options to return to my life, family, and wife. Hanger Clinic has been instrumental in my recovery. Danica made me believe I could walk again and helped me regain my independence,” said Steve.
Learning to Walk
Steve and Danica worked together to design lower limb prosthetic options to best support Steve in his journey.
Steve shared, “Danica constructed my legs and is helping me to learn how to walk. Her knowledge is just amazing. I can tell her something is uncomfortable, and she can watch me try to walk and determine where a tweak needs to be made. She is more than my prosthetist; she is my friend, too.
The staff at Hanger Clinic are all great. They are there to take my calls and answer my questions. I’ve also attended several Hanger Clinic events, met other amputees, and gained new skills and knowledge. There is an incredible community of support.”
Overcoming Challenges
Adjusting to life as a quad amputee has presented numerous challenges. Steve has faced moments of fear and uncertainty, but he has chosen to focus on the positive aspects of his situation. By embracing a mindset of gratitude and determination, he has overcome obstacles and regained his independence.
“After my amputation, I felt confused and scared. I didn’t know any other amputees, especially quad amputees. I didn’t know how I would return to activities and navigate the world. But I chose to be thankful each day for the opportunity to be alive and spend time with my family. I had to relearn how to do the things I did before. Now, I don’t accept that I can’t do something. I just try to figure it out. I don’t always succeed, but I try to find the possibility. You first need to decide you can do it and then look for a different way to do it than you did before. I want to be a beacon of hope for others, amputees or people struggling in their lives,” said Steve.
Reaching New Goals
One of Steve’s most significant milestones was returning to skydiving. Many people, including family, friends, and medical professionals, joined in the event as jumpers or spectators.
“I was a skydiver. My first jump was in 1992, and before undergoing amputations, my last jump was in 2005. I thought I was done with skydiving in my life. But with my rebirth after my amputations, I decided to make it my goal to skydive again. I worked to regain my strength and health. Then, my church gifted me with a skydiving session in Texas at Skydive Spaceland. So, I decided I would skydive again, with a whole community of support behind me,” said Steve.
Words of Advice to Other Amputees
Steve shared, “You have value and need to believe that. Do not let anyone tell you that you’re anything less than the warrior you are or that you can’t do something. You are the only one who can make that decision. One of my favorite activities in life was cooking for my wife. After my amputation, it seemed like a daunting task, but now, I’m cooking again. It’s not about what you can’t do; it’s about what you can do and how you can move. We all need to have faith that good things will happen.”
Featured on NBC DFW
View Steve’s story on NBC DFW.
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