In the fall of 2017 Mike Shearer and his family were in the process of moving back to Omaha, Nebraska, when something unimaginable happened. On November 9, Mike suffered a significant stroke due to complications from diabetes. At just 38, the hardworking husband and father of three small children was suffering a grim prognosis and was in the fight for his life.
Nebraska Medicine doctors removed a portion of Mike’s skull to relieve swelling on his brain as he battled a staph infection that attacked his heart, requiring open-heart surgery. In a medically-induced coma and on a ventilator, doctors didn’t offer the family much hope for Mike’s survival, let alone long-term quality of life. Mike defied the odds time and time again, and through faith and support from family, friends and strangers, six weeks later, Mike came to Madonna’s Specialty Hospital in Omaha. Through his family’s signature “Shearer determination” and the expertise of Madonna’s staff, Mike started the journey of gaining strength and rebuilding his life, drawing strength and inspiration from his family and his drive to be the best husband and father possible.
“I was so excited for the opportunity for Mike to gain strength and to rebuild our lives together and move forward. It was like Christmas morning the morning we came to Madonna,” said Denise Shearer, Mike’s wife.
The stroke affected Mike’s right side but early on, Mike’s determination shined through when his physical therapist asked him to move his right leg and he responded with a strong kick. Within days he was up and walking with his care team’s support and within two weeks gained enough strength to transition to Acute Rehabilitation where he continued to make improvements. Denise proudly recalls Mike looking like a Star Wars’ storm trooper “trooping through rehab” when he started on the Lokomat and says the interactive technology appealed to his competitive spirit.
Mike’s speech was also severely impacted, but through therapy, he was soon able to use alternative communication strategies to indicate his wants and needs. One concept he was sure to communicate was his love for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, showing his Husker pride with a crimson “N” on his helmet. Mike’s three children were instrumental in keeping him motivated throughout his recovery and Madonna staff made sure to incorporate the Shearer’s family activities to help prepare Mike for the transition back home. On his last day of inpatient therapy, Mike received Madonna’s prestigious Spirit Award for his outstanding efforts and positive attitude throughout therapy. Additionally, each of his children also awarded him with a special gift for his courage and determination.
Mike became more independent and continued making improvements at Quality Living Incorporated and plans to come back for additional outpatient therapy at Madonna. He walks unassisted and his new goals are to continue improving his right arm, his speech and getting back to work for his family. “Words can’t describe the help Madonna gave me,” said Mike. “Madonna therapy pushed me and believed in me. We had fun while still working hard.”
Mike Shearer – 2018 Omaha GOAL Award
