Airman First Class David Rogers

Airman First Class David Rogers
was working on F-16s, C-17s, and A-10s as a crew chief at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. One week before a surprise trip home to the States, he lost control of his automobile during a light rain and struck another vehicle. The crash left him with multiple life-threatening injuries, including fractured ribs, a damaged spinal cord, a punctured lung, and a traumatic brain injury.

After more than a year at a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, David has returned home to his family. His mother Lauri has no misconceptions of the challenges ahead. "David's accident has definitely colored our life with a different crayon... our life has not gradually changed, it has changed instantaneously and permanently."

As they move forward, they are finding a new normal with David–a life that involves every family member in the accomplishments, struggles, and milestones of his recovery. "I had to refocus my thinking from the tragedy of the accident to looking forward to the landmark joys that I had had once before with him."

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Watch the full video, From Surviving to Thriving and follow commentary on the PSC Bulletin from patients, doctors, caregivers, and technicians on issues and stories surrounding polytrauma and TBI.