Verle Williams is a 59-year-old construction contractor from Gonzales, Texas, whose life is filled with hard work, family, and a deep love for the outdoors. He spent weekends camping in his motorhome, riding in his pontoon boat, and enjoying time with his family, including his 13 grandchildren. Verle is a man who can fix just about anything, and his home reflects his handiwork. With no significant health issues, Verle was in excellent health and looking forward to many more years of adventure.

However, this past spring, his life took an unexpected turn when he fell from a 10-foot ladder. Verle was rushed to the hospital by EMS, where he complained of diminished sensation in his lower extremities and pain in his right upper extremity. The fall caused a T12 burst fracture, a right sacral fracture, and a right radial fracture. After a thorough evaluation, Verle was diagnosed with an incomplete spinal cord injury and underwent a T10-L3 fusion, followed by an open reduction internal fixation. Due to the severity of his injuries, his neurosurgeon was uncertain if he would ever walk again. However, Verle was not one to back down from a challenge.

“I was confident I could overcome this with strength, determination, trust, and faith in God,” Verle says.

His daughters, intent on finding the best care for their father, toured several facilities before choosing New Braunfels Regional Rehabilitation Hospital (NBRRH) for his rehabilitation. The family was impressed with NBRRH’s commitment to involve loved ones in the care process – a crucial factor for his recovery. His wife, Mary, stayed by his side every night, playing an active role in his recovery.

When Verle arrived at NBRRH, he had one goal: to walk out of the hospital. However, when he first arrived, he faced significant challenges, including poor trunk control, pain management issues, and orthostatic hypotension. Despite these initial difficulties, Verle made notable progress. His determination was fueled by the small victories he experienced along the way

“I could feel my muscles firing up and could move my toes for the first time since the accident,” he says. “It made me feel hopeful.”

Verle achieved critical milestones such as successfully transferring from the bed to a chair, walking on the parallel bars, and using a walker. They all signified his move toward independence. Another significant moment in his recovery was his ability to walk across the room to greet his brother, who traveled from Idaho for a visit. It left his brother in awe.

Verle spent nearly two months at NBRRH, during which time he became an inspiration to everyone on the team. His therapists remarked on his unmatched dedication and determination.

Verle is thrilled to be going home and will continue his recovery through outpatient therapy at NBRRH. As he prepared for discharge, he shared that he would be stopping at Home Depot on the way home so he could fix his kitchen sink. Verle’s story highlights the impact of comprehensive medical rehabilitation, family support, and patient determination in the recovery process from severe spinal injuries.