Faith and hard work help Beacon patient triumph over trauma after head-on collision

Esther Deakins, a surgical tech at Memorial Hospital, had been accustomed to 12-hour shifts assisting with trauma surgeries. Little did she know that a terrible car accident abruptly shift her role from caregiver to patient, testing her resilience in ways she never imagined.

In late October, Esther was driving on County Road 19, heading to her booth at an antique market when she was struck head-on by another vehicle and found herself trapped inside.

“The first thing I remember was waking up in the car and having a crushing pain in my chest,” she said.

She heard yelling around the car and someone breaking the window to get her out. Relief washed over her as she felt hands supporting her neck.

Starting her road to recovery

Esther was right to be concerned.

She had suffered a fracture in her C3 vertebra, while a broken sternum explained her chest pain. Both arms were broken, along with a bone in her hand and her left leg. Altogether, she suffered eight fractures and a concussion.

Dr. Eric McCoy

Esther was first taken to Elkhart General Hospital. Then, due to the severity of her injuries, she was transferred to Memorial’s trauma center where a team of specialists, including some of her colleagues, cared for her.

Her first surgery took place the morning after the accident. Dr. Eric McCoy, trauma and orthopedic surgeon with Beacon Bone and Joint Specialists, led the initial seven- to eight-hour procedure to repair her left femur.

Several days later, Dr. Ethan Wren, orthopedic and hand surgeon, Beacon Bone and Joint Specialists, performed an additional surgery to repair her right arm.

Dr. Ethan Wren

Esther moved from the ICU to the Orthopedic Unit, where she felt grateful for the staff’s compassion.

“They encouraged me. They were incredible to my family,” Esther said. “I can’t say enough about how much my family felt taken care of. When I think about the care, it’s hard not to cry. It made me see what an awesome hospital we have, just what an amazing group of people we have that extends far beyond surgery.”

Dr. Wren also gives credit to the entire Beacon team.

“Surgery was only the first step in Esther’s recovery, Dr. Wren said. “Most of the credit goes to Esther and all of the rehabilitation staff who provided continuous excellent care.”

November 9th proved to be an emotional day, as Esther was able to move to a rehabilitation facility. While feeling excited to start rehab, she admitted she felt “so sad to leave everyone in the ortho unit.”

An evening visit from her son and daughter-in-law provided a much needed boost to her morale. They shared the exciting news of a new grandbaby on the way.

“That gave me some extra motivation in my recovery,” Esther said.

A celebration of healing

Esther was able to return home at the end of January, transitioning to Beacon outpatient rehabilitation. She had been walking again for about a month.

It wasn’t long before Esther set an ambitious goal for herself: to participate in the Sunburst Races, an annual 5K event that benefits Beacon Children’s Hospital. It was just four months away, and she had a long way to go in her recovery.

“The doctors were floored that I wanted to try it,” Esther said. “When I first mentioned it in therapy, they weren’t so sure.”

But she felt determined and continued to make progress in her recovery. Esther brought it up again a couple months later. Her rehabilitation team adjusted her exercise regimen to ensure that she’d be up to the challenge on the day of the race.

Her journey was incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally. She remembers how, once she was back home, she needed to be able to cross the street by her house to train at a running track.

“The first time I crossed the street, I crossed OK,” she said. “But when I came back, I kind of froze. That’s just part of the trauma.” But Esther persevered.

On June 1, 2024, just seven months post-accident, she achieved her goal. She walked the 3.3-mile course in 64 minutes and 45 seconds — a truly remarkable achievement.

“God saw fit to bring me through the other side of this accident, not paralyzed, able to walk and talk. That needs to be celebrated,” Esther said. “Whatever comes along that I think I can do, I need to try. I have to do these things, because I’m here and able.”

Today, less than a year after her accident, Esther is back at work part-time. Her journey of recovery continues, but she remains focused on the positive.

“Every day is a gift, you know? That accident could have easily been the end,” she said. “I’ve been given a second chance. I can hold my grandson. There’s so much to be thankful for.”

Learn more

When your daily life and routines have changed because of bone, joint, muscle or tendon pain, it’s time to see the experts. Beacon Bone & Joint Specialists help you get back to doing what you love – whether that’s playing on the field, running on the weekend or heading out to the garden. Click here to learn more.