As educators, college sweethearts Kevin and Amy couldn’t have been more excited for their 18-year-old daughter, Katey, to begin her senior year of high school in Tarrant County, Texas. But on August 7, 2022, Kevin and Amy’s lives turned upside down. A drunk driver crashed into the side of their house, tragically killing Katey, while Kevin experienced multiple skull fractures and an ischemic stroke that led to months in the hospital.
When Kevin first arrived at the Centre for Neuro Skills’ (CNS) Fort Worth clinic in May 2023, he struggled with speaking because of his tracheostomy tube.
“As a teacher, it was hard to accept that I wasn’t able to talk or project my voice anymore,” said Kevin.
Within the first few months of therapy, Kevin relearned the basic functions of walking, talking and eating again. He progressed from requiring a wheelchair and around-the-clock assistance to using a walker and eventually walking without help. He also worked through the balance issues and vision deficits that affected his daily living.
Besides his physical limitations, Kevin had to accept and cope with the loss of his daughter. Counseling and therapy helped, and Kevin remained positive throughout it all. He continues to honor the memory of their daughter.
Today, Kevin and Amy have worked together to rebuild their lives and purpose. The two recently bought a new home, where Kevin spends his days doing yard work or household upgrades. He relearned how to drive again and enjoys outdoor activities like rowing, running and biking. Amy has returned to work as a high school teacher.
“It takes a long time, but it does slowly get better,” said Kevin. “Every day, there’s something new I can do that I couldn’t do before.”
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