Elizabeth “Graci” Garcia was driving home on January 25, 2017 when her life forever changed. The slick, icy road conditions common in Nebraska winters caused the Tekamah, Nebraska, teen to lose control of the car. It rolled several times and crashed in a ditch. As a result, Graci suffered multiple injuries to her face, pelvis and lungs, including severe brain trauma and a subsequent stroke.
In a coma and on a ventilator, Graci spent several weeks at Nebraska Medicine fighting for her life. She arrived at Madonna’s Omaha pediatric unit on Valentine’s Day weak from a series of medical setbacks and dependent for all mobility and cares. She was joined at Madonna by a supportive and loving family who turned their affectionate nickname for her into a rally cry of #EliStrong, which spread far and wide, offering Graci support and prayers from friends and strangers alike. Her first major milestone came quickly as she weaned from her tracheostomy tube to breathe on her own. Early on, therapy sessions consisted of strengthening her neck, core and legs. Graci’s team discovered her love of music and incorporated her favorite songs into therapy sessions. Through warm-water therapy and outings to the bowling alley, Graci continued gaining strength and coordination as well as lifting her spirits and helping her revisit her typical teenager life. Speech helped her find her voice and gradually, her favorite foods—Ramen Noodles and Doritos—were incorporated into her diet. A powder-blue prom dress, Graci’s favorite color, was on prominent display in her room as a reminder of her goal of attending the junior/senior dance. Her ever-expanding cheering squad continued to support her rehabilitation journey, through visits, iPhone chats, cards and letters. Her progress and support system helped Graci’s sense of humor return, along with her determination to regain her dancing steps using specialized equipment like the Lokomat.
Graci spent four months recovering at Madonna, impressing and inspiring her care team each day. On her final day in June, she received the Madonna Spirit Award for her hard work, incredible progress and infectious spirit. “I get letters from people all the time that say, ‘You know, I don’t know Graci, but watching her story has changed my life,’” said Laura Meyeres-Garcia, Graci’s mom.
Graci continued to inspire and to regain her independence at Quality Living Incorporated. She returned in the fall for intense outpatient rehabilitation at Madonna’s TherapyPlus. Her team worked on the coordination and strength on her left arm and hand using the Armeo Spring. The EksoGT, a powered robotic exoskeleton, allowed Graci to make strides with walking and through Madonna’s Therapeutic Learning Center she breezed through her math problems, even mastering fractions. Her continued progress helped Graci accomplish two major goals that spring: dancing with her classmates at the Tekamah-Herman Senior prom and walking proudly across the stage to receive her high school diploma.
Eighteen months after her accident Graci has phased out her wheelchair completely and plans to soon eliminate the use of her cane. She continues working on balance, walking, her left arm and hand, her voice and is pursuing higher education. She’s also set her sights on traveling and sharing her story of hope with others. Her care team at Madonna believes that Graci can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. “I fought hard to get through it and I am not going to ever, ever, ever stop,” said Graci.