Patient Stories
Pat Hawes
A difficult road to recovery
Being involved in his community, coaching his kids' basketball teams, and helping out friends and neighbors—that's what Pat Hawes, from Potosi, values. And helping out is just what he was doing the day of his terrible accident. It was a Saturday in August nearly three years ago that Pat had agreed to take down a 200-foot radio tower. When he got to the last 50-foot section, the tower that he was securely belted to, gave way and crashed to the ground, taking him with it.
He sustained severe injuries from the nearly 60-foot fall, including broken ribs, a punctured and collapsed lung, damage to his kidney and spleen, and—perhaps the most devastating—compound fractures to both his left knee and ankle. Doctors cautioned Pat that with these types of internal injuries, coupled with the disabling trauma to the knee and ankle, it would be a long and difficult recovery.
After several reconstructive surgeries, Pat was determined more than ever to make a full recovery. In order to achieve this, it was important that he start physical rehabilitation soon. Pat was encouraged to have his rehab care in Dubuque or La Crosse, but he chose Grant Regional Health Center for convenience and because of the many positive referrals he had from other patients and friends. After months and months of intense, individualized physical therapy, Pat attributes his successful recovery to the staff and care at Grant Regional Health Center. He was extremely pleased with his care plan and physical therapy treatments—so much so that he oftentimes stayed longer after his appointments to use the rehab equipment in order to improve his endurance and recovery time even more. Today, thanks to his dedication and commitment, Pat has regained his strength and mobility in his knee and ankle.
"Being active was a way of life for me," Pat says. "After my accident, I thought my lifestyle would change forever. But Grant Regional's staff was there for me. They encouraged me. They challenged me, but most of all—they inspired me. Thanks to them, I have my life back!
