Faith

Faith Finds Hope

Faith's Story

Faith doesn’t remember the car accident that happened just before Christmas of 2018 that caused her traumatic brain injury, broken pelvis, arm, leg and, oddly, singular toe. She also doesn’t remember the two strokes that she suffered shortly after, nor the surgery to save her life. Faith couldn’t walk, talk, eat, or move for a month. But, she says that she’s thankful she doesn’t remember that either.

What she does remember is that once she arrived at Ranken Jordan over a month later, she was treated with exceptional skill, kindness, and compassion. “I love my nurses and doctors,” she says. “They’re funny, nice and relatable. They get my sarcastic humor. I also know that without Dr. (Eugene) Evra, I wouldn’t be here.”

Eugene Evra, MD, is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Ranken Jordan. He focuses on enhancing and restoring functional ability in those with injuries or conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons.

Despite her gratitude toward her medical team, Faith went through a crisis of, well, faith. Soon after arriving at Ranken Jordan, Faith was disappointed that she wasn’t progressing as fast as she wanted. But that soon changed. “Before, I felt hopeless,” she says. “Now I have hope and feel like I might get completely better. Ranken Jordan got me walking, talking and everything.”

A New Start with Therapy and a New ‘Do

Her hard work in therapy has been essential to her recovery. “I loved therapy because therapy is what gets you home. Now I can finally ditch the walker. And it feels good to take a shower and get dressed myself. I feel more like me again.”

Faith’s loved ones were regular visitors during her three-month stay at Ranken Jordan. Faith’s four younger sisters lit up the hallways with energy when they came for sibling play dates. Faith says seeing them run and play lightened her mood just when she needed it.

“They helped me keep the faith,” she recounts with a wry grin.

The child life team’s dedication and care also have left a lasting impression on Faith. “One of the child life specialists, Carly, braided my hair every single day,” Faith says. “I was so thankful. Now that I’m going home, I’ve cut my hair shorter because it’s easier to take care of. My hair cut is a new start.”

Healing, Feasting and Teaching

Faith’s brain injury causes her to forget things sometimes. But her brain continues to heal. Whenever she doubted herself, her loved ones point out that Faith is still herself and just as smart as ever. Faith loves to read, and although a stroke left a blind spot in her vision, she continues to do so despite the greater challenge. As a student, she read everything she could and even started a book club at her school.

Due to her injury, Faith took a break after graduation before transitioning to college. But she explained that the college time out doesn’t deter her from her ultimate goal. Faith remains determined to apply her initiative and love of learning, to become a teacher. “Plus I have too many little sisters not to become a teacher!” Faith says.

As Faith prepared for her discharge home, she reflected on how far she came since her accident and her appreciation for Ranken Jordan. “I’m going to miss the nurses. They’ve done so much for me. I believe Ranken Jordan is the best place to go within a 2,000-mile radius.”

Faith’s memory became razor sharp when considering plans for her first day back home in Bourbon, Missouri. The first move, a stop to her favorite Mexican restaurant to order her usual go-tos. “I want everything,” Faith said with gusto. “Three tacos, rice, queso and fried ice cream.”

And that order, she remembers perfectly.