Wayne’s Story

On December 2, 2019, I was on my way to work and was in a near fatal head on collision. I was flown by PHI Air Medical to Parkland Dallas.

The first 48 hours were critical to my survival. The helicopter had blood plasma on board which aided in saving my life. In the days and weeks following, I endured 5 surgeries. I had broken 27 bones. I was on a ventilator for over three weeks and then had a trach for about the same amount of time.

I spent nearly 8 weeks at Parkland, 3 weeks in an acute care facility and two months in a nursing home for rehab. My girlfriend, who is now my wife, and my sister stayed with me the entire time. My mom, church family, and friends also supported me. They visited me at each facility I was at.

Once I was able to come home, after being gone for 4 months and 1 week, I had four months of home health care and six weeks outpatient occupational therapy. Getting to come home was a turning point in my recovery.

Recovery was difficult. I had to learn how to walk all over again. And learn how to eat. Being away from home so long was very hard. What help me push through was wanting to be able to get home. Also, there was a 2nd grade boy at the school I worked at that sent a get-well card. His card read that he didn’t want any gifts from Santa Clause he just wanted Mr. Wayne back at work.

With hard work and dedication, I was able to regain my strength. I have to do some things differently than I used to, but I still get it done. It is still difficult for me to get out of a chair due to my kneecaps being crushed. The doctors felt it was better to let them heal on their own, otherwise I may have had more problems than I do. Once I do get up, I am to walk fairly well.

Two years to the day of my crash, I was able to go back to driving a school bus.

I joined the TSN to share with others that even though they may be going through a difficult time, they too can recover and have life again. My wife and I are Trauma Survivor mentors at Parkland Dallas.