Dylan Ethridge was named "Hero of the Month" at CHRISTUS Santa Rose Hospital in San Antonio. After a swimming accident left the CHS student with spinal injuries, he has fought back and was recently discharged from hospital. (Contributed Photo)
Ethridge selected as 'hero' at Santa Rosa Hospital
(Posted 11/18/2009 08:00 am)
A young man involved in a serious accident receives the “Hero of the Month” award for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital in San Antonio through a special program with national charity, Kids Wish Network.
Dylan Ethridge was ready to start high school and had plans to join the football team when, while out swimming with friends in the Guadalupe River, he grabbed a weak branch in a tree hanging out over the water. The branch gave way and Dylan fell into the river, landing head first on the sandy bottom.
Two of his friends, who had been out swimming with Dylan, pulled him from the water and saved him from drowning while paramedics were called. When Dylan’s mother, Donna, came out to get him, she found out that her son could not feel his legs.
Dylan was life-flighted to University Hospital, where he stayed in the ICU for 16 days while waiting for a room at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital. From his fall, Dylan sustained a serious spinal cord injury that resulted in paraplegia.
During his two month hospital stay, Dylan has fought innumerable odds to regain his ability to walk.
“Dylan was a trooper from day one,” said CHRISTUS Child Life Specialist, Lori. “He was highly motivated and a hard worker throughout all of his therapies…despite his uncomfortable braces and setbacks with hypotension, he still gave 110 percent in his therapies. Dylan was a go-getter. He had his goals set high and never gave up. By the time Dylan was discharged from the hospital, he was ambulating with leg braces, a walker and with assistance.”
For his courage and hard work, Lori thought Dylan would be a wonderful candidate for Kids Wish Network’s Hero of the Month Program, which awards kids and teens who have dealt courageously with difficult and life-altering circumstances. Dylan definitely fit the bill.
When he was finally named “Hero of the Month,” Dylan was more than surprised: “I didn’t think anything like that would happen,” he said.
Along with a certificate, medal and t-shirt that proclaimed his status as CHRISTUS Santa Rosa’s “Hero of the Month,” Dylan was also awarded a gift card worth $500 for his heroism. With this, he was able to buy a brand new laptop to help him with his school work.
“It’s been a hard transition from the hospital to home,” said Donna, Dylan’s mom. “This [award] really surprised him…it is such an honor. He was so happy! It is very good for Dylan…so encouraging.”
Since receiving his award, Dylan has just kept on with life, letting nothing stand in his way. In fact, even though his accident has forced him to stay off the football field, Dylan is still an integral part of his team, the Cuero Gobblers, while he helps out from the sidelines. According to Dylan, he’s been inspired by a quote from his favorite author, Jack London that ends with the line “I shall use my time,” which is just what he plans on doing. “Everything’s coming along great,” said Dylan.
“Dylan’s such an inspiration,” said Donna of her son. “He’s very, very independent and the wheelchair hasn’t stopped him any…this hasn’t limited him at all.”
