SCI Case Study: John Stoker

My biggest takeaway from Grace's presentation was that someone who has sustained a spinal cord injury can still live a happy, high quality life. Her family friend, John, sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury as an indirect result of a motorcycle accident. During exploratory surgery done by his doctors, John's aorta was clamped too long, which resulted in the formation of blood clots that ultimately damaged his spinal cord.

Before his injury, John was a very active man. He loved to work on cars and ride motorcycles, was a naval seaman, and enjoyed being a husband and father. After his accident, John became totally blind, used a trach to help him breath, a G-tube for nutrients, as well as a saliva bag. Though John became almost totally dependent upon his family to help him with his activities of daily living, he still found enjoyment in visiting with his mother and sister, talking on the phone, listening to the Bible on tapes, and being an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

I think the important thing to take away from this presentation is that individuals like John can still find meaning and purpose in their lives, despite the many challenges they face on a daily basis. John lived another 20 years after he sustained his spinal cord injury. Those years could have been quality, happy years or sad, lonely years. I believe John had a much higher quality of life because of the support from his family, which is crucial for successful outcomes.