James collapsed on a high school football field on Sept. 12, 2014, playing the game he loves. His helmet collided with an opponent’s hip, causing a life-threatening acute subdural hematoma. First responders rushed the senior linebacker from Olathe, Kansas, to Overland Park Regional Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery to stop the bleeding and swelling around his brain.
When he awoke from a five-day coma, James raised his right hand to sign “I love you” to his parents, Patrick and Susan. After 18 days in intensive care, James began his lengthy recovery at Madonna.
James started from square one, tackling basic skills like swallowing, speaking and standing. Progress was slow and often frustrating, but his competitive spirit and faith kicked into high gear.
As James grew stronger, intense, daily therapies became the young athlete’s new game plan. James relearned to tie his shoes, brush his teeth and worked hard in speech therapy to express himself. Family, friends and his Madonna team were his cheerleaders throughout his rehabilitation. James’ motto became his recovery battle cry: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
Witnessing James’ fun-loving personality resurface was another form of healing. He often inspired his therapy team by singing a Zac Brown Band tune during a challenging Lokomat® session. James always gave 110 percent and never lost sight of his goals. On Feb. 14, 2015, James celebrated a big milestone—weaning from the feeding tube—with a steak dinner at a local restaurant.
In the outpatient Rehabilitation Day Program, James bonded with a whole community of patients. His physical, social and cognitive skills soared in group activities like cooking and bowling. James championed many other patients on their recovery journeys.
After eight months of tough, repetitive therapy, the young athlete was walking. In May 2015, James achieved his goal to walk across the stage when he graduated with honors from Olathe East High School.
Two years post-injury, the young man who took his first step at Madonna is killing it in CrossFit classes— lifting 85 pounds—and loves cheering on his beloved sports teams. James splits his days between local outpatient therapy and college classes where he maintains a 4.0 GPA.
James enjoys sharing his courageous journey and has been honored at many public events. His closing inspirational message is powerful: “Love one another; you may not know what struggles others are battling.”
James McGinnis – 2016 GOAL Award
