Rebuilding Strength and Hope: Jonathan LePage’s Inspiring Rehabilitation Journey
Jon LePage surrounded by his father Randy LePage (left) and his Occupational Therapist, Kyle Racho, OT (right).
In June, the LePage family visited Special Tree to explore the next phase of Jonathan LePage’s rehabilitation journey. A motorcycle accident in late April left Jon with a traumatic brain injury and extensive orthopedic injuries. During their visit, his father, Randy, shared a picture with the admissions team of Jon wakeboarding while holding his son, Jack (6), between his legs. Randy expressed his hope, saying, “I want him to be able to do this again.”
Upon admission, Jon was unable to bear weight on all four extremities due to dozens of fractures he sustained from the accident. He spent the next four months working with skilled neuro rehab therapists at Special Tree to regain overall strength and functional skills impacted by his accident.
“Jon has made remarkable progress in a very short time,” says Kyle Racho, Occupational Therapist. “He has undergone several surgeries to remove hardware, so we’ve been focusing on improving his hand and finger dexterity, as well as teaching him how to pronate and supinate his wrists.”
“You take things for granted,” said Jon of his recovery. “I can say that for sure. I had to relearn how to walk, how to cook, how to manage. I don’t take those things for granted now.”
Recalling the first time he was able to stand up and hug his family, he smiled, “They are my motivation.”
“I never want to tell Jack no, I can’t do that because of my accident,” Jon said. His advice to others following a life-altering injury focuses on faith and attitude.
“I would tell someone in the early part of their recovery: prayers work. What you tell yourself— mindset is half the battle. It might not be the way it was before, but it can still be good. I believe in God so much. He knows what you can handle. You have to believe it, too.” Jon now lightheartedly quips: My blood type and mindset are B positive.
Jon graduated from Special Tree’s skilled neuro rehab center on October 10th. He will now transition back home with family before ultimately returning to his own home. His goal is to obtain his journeyman’s card and go wakeboarding with Jack next summer.
