Real Stories - Sergeant James Hackemer
In Memoriam:
Sergeant James Thomas Hackemer
March 27, 1982 – July 8, 2011
In March of 2008, Sergeant James Hackemer
was three months into his second Iraq tour when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. The attack inflicted tremendous injuries on him, including the loss of both legs and a traumatic brain injury. He suffered a stroke during his initial medical treatment and spent more than a month in a coma.
James has had a long, tough recovery. His injuries required him to learn to eat again, speak again, and write again. He explains that learning to walk again on new prosthetic legs has been his greatest challenge. But with his family's support, and his numerous treatments and therapies, he is progressing.
James' advice to anyone going through a similar situation... "Hang on. You can make it. It can be hard, but you get out of it what you put in."
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.
