Finding Strength on the Road to Healing: How Family Support Motivates Keith R. in Rehabilitation

At Special Tree, we believe in the power of resilience. Today, we share the uplifting journey of Keith R., a dedicated family man and heavy equipment operator whose life took a dramatic turn following a workplace accident.

Keith was known for his hardworking spirit and commitment to his family. With a toddler at home and a new baby on the way, his life was full of joy and anticipation. However, everything changed one day when he suffered a traumatic injury at work, falling several feet into a pit. After nearly eight hours of surgery, he faced an uphill battle for recovery.

“It was really stressful for everybody,” recalls Bri, Keith’s longtime partner. “We were camped out at the hospital.” Initially reliant on ventilator support and a feeding tube, Keith’s condition was critical, requiring close monitoring and comprehensive care.

In December 2024, Keith arrived at Special Tree, where his journey towards recovery truly began. Occupational Therapist Kyle Racho recalls, “When he first came, he was not getting out of bed.” The Special Tree medical team and respiratory therapists were able to support Keith in weaning him from ventilator support. This key milestone really enabled his recovery to take off.

“We started focusing on balance, finding his center, and movements outside of the chair to help with overall mobility,” recalls Kyle. With encouragement and a structured rehabilitation plan, Keith gradually began to regain his strength.

Over time, Bri noticed a positive shift. “He began gaining weight, weaned off the feeding tube, and started eating again,” she said. Initially hesitant to engage in therapy, Keith found motivation by witnessing his peers’ progress. “He saw other people going, and that encouraged him to push harder,” Bri noted.

Activities Leader Becca Preuter says connecting with others definitely played a role in Keith’s recovery. “He would stop by activities to say hello, and then he started forming friendships.” This community connection encouraged Keith’s participation in therapy and activities, enhancing his rehabilitation experience.

When it came time for his son to be born, Special Tree team members were there to support him. The team accompanied Keith so he could attend the birth of his new baby, providing transportation to and from the hospital. He later returned for another visit and to sign the birth certificate. And with family-friendly accommodations at The Tree House, Special Tree’s on-campus family apartment, Keith’s fiancé and children could stay close by at times, allowing them to bond as a family during his rehabilitation.

Keith's family serves as a tremendous source of support for him. Kyle Racho agrees, sharing that “Keith has a lot of motivation to get better for his boys.” The encouragement from staff and fellow patients has fostered an environment where Keith feels empowered. Throughout his journey, Bri and their extended family have stood by him. Bri attributes much of Keith's progress to “a lot of family support” as well as the medical team and therapists at Special Tree.

While Keith’s recovery has been remarkable, Bri reminds us that the journey can be mentally and physically demanding. “The hardest thing is having patience,” she reflects. “Especially watching someone go through that physically, mentally, emotionally." She says reaching out for help, whether through therapy or speaking with friends, is vital for anyone navigating a difficult path. “Everybody has a breaking point,” shares Bri, adding that extended family have been there for her, too, taking her boys when she needs a break or time to focus on herself and Keith.

Bri and Keith are pleased with their rehabilitation experience. “Special Tree is amazing,” says Bri. “People here really care about their patients.”

At Special Tree, we are proud to support patients like Keith as they reclaim their lives and strengthen their connections with loved ones. His journey exemplifies the power of his own perseverance, community, and the dedication of our staff.

Keith has come such a long way, and his future is bright - filled with opportunities to cherish moments with his family. Here’s to his continued success and all the milestones yet to come.