Brooks playing baseball

Aug 20, 2019 / Spotlight

Share Your Story: Brooks' Accident

Meet Brooks, a patient seen by our orthopedic experts. Learn more about his journey below.

Blog written by Brooks' mom, Ashley of Carthage, TX.  

My son, Brooks, was in a UTV (utility task vehicle) accident in 2018 on Labor Day. He spent two weeks at a hospital in Louisiana before we ended up coming to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. 
 
During his first night at the hospital in Louisiana, the doctors recommended that Brooks’ foot be amputated. We were not comfortable with that and were desperate for other opinions on how to best care for him. A childhood friend of mine works at Scottish Rite Hospital, so I was familiar with the level of care they provide. We decided to bring Brooks to Dallas and transfer his care. On the afternoon he was admitted, Dr. Rathjen came to the hospital to meet with us. 

Not only did he give us the answers we were looking for, but he gave us hope for Brooks. 

 
While Brooks was in the hospital, Dr. Stutz and Dr. Podeszwa ended up taking over his care. Dr. Stutz told Brooks that none of this would be fixed quickly but did assure him that he would be back to playing sports. Now, 11 months later, Brooks is back to living his old life. He played in his first baseball tournament in February, competed in district track and field competition and placed first in the discus, and is about to start football season. This is all because of God and Scottish Rite Hospital. 
 
I am a nurse and have never seen a place as incredible as this place. All of the doctors at the hospital have the knowledge and patience that is so important when it comes to taking care of children. They genuinely care about their patients and make you feel as if you are the only patient in the entire facility. From the inpatient receptionist to all of the nurses, this hospital is quite special. Even after Brooks was discharged, none of the clinic nurses were ever bothered by my numerous emails or phone calls. Andrea, in the Child Life department, and Dr. Herg, in psychology, were lifesavers for us through our many long clinic appointments.
 
Following his accident, Brooks definitely has a greater appreciation for the importance of safety and is now very cautious. His father and I truly believe that this accident could have saved his life later on when he may have been careless in a vehicle. Brooks also says this has changed his perspective on life in general and does not take anything for granted. You never want to experience trials, but we are thankful for the new perspective that with ours.
 
Scottish Rite Hospital literally saved my son’s foot. For his follow-up appointments, we would make weekly trips, three hours each way, to this facility and I would do it all over again tomorrow. I love this place.
 


DO YOU HAVE A STORY? WE WANT TO HEAR IT! SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US.

Tags:

You May Also Like: