Thousands of patients come through the doors of the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio and each one is very special in their own way. So many beat unimaginable odds and we are just one step in their journey to a healthy life. Here’s an inspiring story from just one of the patients we are privileged to serve:

Rhea is a fun, talkative five-year-old with a love for cheerleading. In April 2013, Rhea, her mother, Amy, and her grandmother, Hope, set out on a girls’ beach trip. Their journey was brought to a halt when the vehicle they were driving was struck by an 18-wheeler.

Rhea suffered a massive spinal cord injury and her vocal cords were severely damaged. She was flown to the nearest hospital and was not expected to survive through the night. She underwent surgery and miraculously, after two weeks in the hospital, she began communicating by blinking and didn’t show any signs of brain damage.

Rhea received extensive one-on-one physical therapy at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio and was discharged in September 2013. She continues weekly outpatient occupational therapy at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio today. To read Rhea’s full story, check out our latest issue of Putting Children First.