Johns Hopkins Hospital (278)

2025 Survivors: Mark McKenzie, Ethan McKinnon, and John Paredes
This year, we are honored to recognize three remarkable individuals as our 2025 Trauma Survivors: Mark McKenzie, Ethan McKinnon, and John A. Paredes.

Mark McKenzie was admitted in September after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen. His recovery required immediate surgery, numerous procedures, and an extended stay in the intensive care unit. Through weeks of uncertainty and challenge, Mark’s strength never faltered. Known and loved in his community, he faced every setback with determination and a quiet resilience that touched his care team and family alike. Today, Mark’s story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure and inspire.

Ethan McKinnon sustained serious injuries when the car he was riding in with his family was struck at high speed. Thrown from the vehicle, Ethan faced a long and difficult road that included major surgeries, breathing support, and intensive rehabilitation. Despite the immense challenges, Ethan showed a maturity and bravery far beyond his years. His positivity, grit, and the unwavering love of his family became guiding lights in his recovery. Ethan’s journey reminds us that even in the hardest moments, courage and hope can shine through.

John A. Paredes suffered a traumatic eye injury during boxing training when an elastic band struck his eye. His condition required multiple surgeries and months of uncertainty as he worked toward healing. Rather than allowing fear to take over, John embraced his recovery with perseverance and grace. His courage to adapt, overcome, and stay focused on the future deeply inspired those around him. John’s journey reflects not only the strength to recover physically, but the resilience to move forward with hope and determination.

Together, Mark, Ethan, and John embody the extraordinary resilience of trauma survivors. Their stories celebrate not only survival, but also the power of community, love, and the human spirit to heal and inspire.

2024 Survivor: Mr. Spencer Hurst
We are proud to honor Mr. Spencer Hurst as one of our 2024 Trauma Survivors. After sustaining significant injuries when he was struck by a car, Mr. Hurst’s recovery journey has been marked by resilience, strength, and determination. Through countless challenges, he showed unwavering perseverance and became an inspiration to all who walked alongside him.
During a special recognition ceremony, Mr. Hurst and his family were celebrated for their courage and commitment to healing. His care team—dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff—shared heartfelt reflections on his progress, highlighting the inspiring milestones he achieved along the way. This recognition serves not only as a tribute to Mr. Hurst’s extraordinary recovery, but also as a reminder of the many trauma survivors who face unimaginable obstacles with hope and courage. We are privileged to celebrate Mr. Hurst’s journey and the remarkable strength of all survivors whose stories embody perseverance, healing, and resilience.

Honoring Our Survivors Through Kintsugi
Each year, we gift our survivors with Kintsugi bowls. Kintsugi, which means “golden joinery,” is a centuries-old Japanese artform (see picture). When pottery breaks, it is not discarded or pieced back together invisibly. Instead, its fractures are carefully mended using lacquer mixed with powdered gold. The result is something even more beautiful than before — not in spite of the breakage, but because of it. The cracks become part of the story. For trauma survivors, the Kintsugi bowl serves as a symbol of healing, resilience, and strength. Like the pottery, their scars do not diminish them — they illuminate the story of survival, courage, and transformation.

We invite you to learn more about this tradition by reading this blog from Zakk Arciaga, MSN, RN, Trauma Program Manager at Johns Hopkins Hospital https://www.maryland-traumanet.com/traumanet-news/kintsugi-and-the-golden-seams-of-trauma-care/

Together, stories like these highlight the extraordinary journeys of trauma survivors. Their courage reminds us of the importance of community, care, and the enduring power of hope. This year Trauma Survivors Day will be Wednesday May 20, 2026 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Please reach out to [email protected] if you plan to be in attendance.