By Kallie K., former patient
My journey has been nothing short of tragic, devastating, beautiful, miraculous, and full of hope.
I was a junior in high school in the spring of 2022, 16 years old and living my best life with friends and as many extracurricular activities as I could fit in. On the night of March 3, 2022, my life came to an abrupt halt. I was driving alone on my way home from One-Act Play rehearsal when I was involved in a single-vehicle rollover accident. I have no recollection of the accident or the cause to this day.
I was flown by helicopter to UMC in Lubbock with critical injuries. I had a shunt placed in my head for brain swelling, fractured my cheekbone, nasal bones, and my jaw in three places, broke every rib, and my pelvis was said to have been crushed like a pretzel. I would later learn that I had lost vision in my right eye and most hearing in my right ear. I spent the next three weeks on a ventilator. The most critical of my injuries was a dissected right carotid artery.
I am beyond blessed to be alive!
Forty-eight hours into my ICU stay at UMC, I suffered a right-sided stroke. My injuries were too severe for local care, so I was airlifted to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. I would spend the next 105 days fighting for my life there.
I underwent pelvic surgery, jaw surgery, feeding tube and trach placement. I fought through pneumonia, infections, many steps forward, and many setbacks. I spent 12 weeks in the ICU and 3 weeks in their inpatient rehab before I finally got to come home. I was a stranger in my own body — still processing what had happened to me and trying to learn to live in a body that I no longer recognized and that no longer worked as it had before.
In July of 2022, I came to find a beautiful gem in North Lubbock called Moody Neurorehabilitation Center, and a dream team of therapists who helped me fight my way back to living the life I wanted to live. I entered Moody in a wheelchair and eventually graduated to a walker, then a cane, and finally to complete independence.
I had lost 20 pounds and a ton of muscle mass. I was weak, fatigued easily, and had many limitations on the left side of my body. My dream team immediately welcomed me, supported me, encouraged me, pushed me, and motivated me. They never told me I couldn’t do something—they supported every goal I wanted to pursue.
Andrea – Speech Therapist
Andrea was beautiful, warm, spunky, and shared my love of clothes, shoes, and all things girly. She helped extensively with memory, attention, strategies for retaining information, and my organizational skills. My voice was weak after extensive time on a ventilator, and she worked daily to help me get stronger.
With her help, I was able to finish my junior year, graduate on time my senior year, transition to community college, graduate, and currently attend the best university in the state — even making the Dean’s List.
Andrea helped me prepare to share my testimony at Fields of Faith Lubbock and again alongside Tim Tebow at Fields of Faith Permian Basin. She helped me relearn how to memorize lines, audition, and eventually land a role my senior year. Thanks to her, I regained my love for speaking and have shared my testimony all over the state.
Charles – Occupational Therapist
Charles was kind, caring, sensitive, and completely understood my sassiness. His scope of therapy in my progress was incredibly diverse.
He helped rehabilitate my fine motor skills, especially the struggles I had in my left hand. He worked on mobility in my left arm and shoulder, helped correct scapular protrusion, and incorporated aquatic therapy — which I absolutely loved.
He worked closely with my neuro-ophthalmologist to help my eyes track correctly. One of my biggest wishes was to drive again, and Charles patiently guided me through every step. Eighteen months later, I became an independent driver.
Madison – Physical Therapist
Madison was beautiful, driven, and pushed me in ways I didn’t think possible — and although she tried to stay serious, I could always get her to laugh! I might have even converted her into liking pink and glitter.
My brain injury left me with significant weakness, clonus, and spasticity in my left leg and hip. My gait was greatly altered. I fatigued easily, struggled with stamina and balance, and all I wanted was to keep up with my friends.
Madison motivated me, encouraged me, and always listened to my goals. Because of her, I was able to show my pigs my senior year, walk the stage at two graduations, and go on several mission trips. She and Charles even came with me to college to help plan my workouts, navigate dorm life, and eventually move into my own home.
Kristin – Counselor
Kristin was a bright light. Although I worked with her only briefly, she helped me navigate the big emotions that come with being a 16-year-old girl with a TBI. She helped me process friendships that changed after the accident and understand the grief of losing my old life.
Vanessa – Social Worker
Vanessa was organized and incredibly supportive, ensuring I received the best care possible. She was my behind-the-scenes superhero — always communicating with my mom, insurance, and assistance programs.
Dr. Wolcott – Physician
Dr. Wolcott remained involved in my care, communicating with my therapists about my medications, needs, and progress. He ensured I had the best of everything.
Moving Forward with Hope
There will never be enough words to thank this dream team who helped me through the hardest time of my life. They showed up for me daily, got to know me as a person, and loved my family through the process.
Today, I am an independent college student involved in the Baptist Student Ministry, The Way Ministry, Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, and a part-time nanny of a precious 2-year-old. I live independently with two wonderful roommates. My physical limitations do not define me — they have shaped a life full of joy and appreciation for every breath I take.
I am beyond blessed by Moody, friends, family, and a merciful God who saved me that night and placed all these amazing people in my path.