Determined teen refuses to let injury define his future
At TriStar Summit Medical Center, our mission to improve human life is foundational to the care we provide our patients. For 16-year-old Kevin, our care was paramount to his personal determination to gain strength and surpass milestones that once seemed far away.
Kevin met TriStar Summit therapist Aubrey when he had just undergone a life-changing event that turned his world upside down. A gunshot wound severely damaged his T10 vertebrae in his spine, leaving him without sensation or movement below his lower abdomen and legs. Months of bedrest followed, and Kevin lost over 40 pounds, developed painful hip and knee contractures and struggled with severe wounds.
“I was sitting at home, skinny and really going through it,” said Kevin. “But I when I came here, Aubrey pushed me to do better, be better and to see what was truly possible.”
From the moment Kevin arrived at TriStar Summit, his determination was unmistakable.
“Kevin started showing up with an incredible drive to get better,” said Aubrey. “He never missed a session and came ready to work every single day.”
With the encouragement of the TriStar Summit team, Kevin set his mind to accomplish all that he could. Through sheer will, determination and hard work, he worked with therapist to regain strength, improve his range of motion, reduce his contractures and achieve so many personal milestones — graduating high school, finding his first job and even learning to drive.
Kevin’s journey didn’t just inspire colleagues; it moved the entire community. When he needed a custom wheelchair cushion for medical reasons, its bulky black design clashed with his bright blue chair, making him feel self-conscious. That’s when the community stepped in. Caliber Collision in Mount Juliet graciously agreed to paint the cushion black, while another local vendor donated a temporary wheelchair for him to use while the modifications were being made, delivering it same day.
“Kevin has faced more challenges in his 18 years than many do in a lifetime. But through it all, he continues to move forward with strength and hope,” Aubrey said. “Witnessing the kindness of strangers and the community coming together has reminded both of us that there is still so much good in the world.”
“As a therapist, there are times when a patient touches your heart in a way that reminds you why you chose this profession. You find yourself wanting to encourage and inspire them to reach for goals they never thought were possible. That’s exactly what happened when I met Kevin.”
So, what’s next for this unstoppable young man? He just graduated high school with a pharmacy tech license and is excited to explore future career paths. But there’s one goal he’s especially excited about:
“I would love a 300 Chrysler or Charger,” he said with a smile. “Black, of course, to match my other wheels.”