Great Care on the Road to Recovery

What began as an ordinary day making deliveries, quickly became a life-threatening emergency for James.

While driving his 16-foot box truck, James was struck by another vehicle in an intersection. The impact sent the truck off the road and into a nearby field, throwing James into the grass. Trapped in the wreckage, with his leg pressed against his chest and a two-by-four pinned against his jaw, he managed to get a passerby to help him call work and report the accident. That’s when the fire started.

“I can still remember the feeling,” James recalls. “Of gasoline dripping on my leg.”

After firefighters worked to free James from the wreckage, he was transported to Lima Memorial, where the trauma team stepped in during one of the most critical moments of his life. Their actions made a lasting difference for James, helping him take the first steps toward recovery.

Following burns, multiple injuries and surgeries, James faced the challenge of learning to walk again and working to regain movement in his knee. What many might take for granted became important milestones in his recovery. Through rehabilitation, he continues to work toward regaining strength and mobility, one step at a time.

While much of that day remains difficult to recall, James has not forgotten the people who cared for him. When asked what he would like to say to the team who helped him through such a difficult time, he offered a few words that speak volumes.

“Just thank you for doing your best,” he shared. “And because of your actions, I’m still here.”

For James, those actions helped make a future possible, one filled with continued healing, new milestones and experiences still to come. His story illustrates what Great Care means at Lima Memorial: showing up when it matters most and making a meaningful difference in someone's life.