During a three-month inpatient rehabilitation journey, band teacher Jared Hughes found motivation in his love for music and his students. After a motorcycle accident nearly ended his life, their support became the driving force behind his remarkable recovery.
As the harmonies played, Jared put one foot in front of the other, celebrating a remarkable recovery that once seemed impossible.
On Nov. 22, Jared was celebrating his 4-year-old nephew’s birthday with his family. As an avid motorcyclist, he decided to ride. It was a nice night to enjoy a cool breeze. He always wore protective gear such as a helmet, gloves and boots.
When he was returning home, a car switched lanes and crossed over in front of him—it changed everything.
Jared spent three weeks at Banner University Medical Trauma Center where he underwent multiple surgeries. He sustained a spinal cord injury, which caused loss of movement, bowel and bladder dysfunction and other conditions.
“Right after the accident, he experienced several complications. He was alert and told the EMS worker to ‘call my mom,” said his mother, Nina Hughes. “After a week at the hospital, the medical team wanted to perform spinal cord surgery, but he was too critical. The doctors told us to prepare for a consistent vegetative state because he was unresponsive.”
On Dec. 19, Jared was transferred to a long-term acute care facility but experienced severe complications and was sent back to the ICU at Banner University Medical Center. On Feb. 23, he returned to long-term acute care after his condition stabilized. A few weeks later, he began to show progress, including slight movement in his hand.
“We were so excited when he was able to move his left hand,” Nina said. “After a few weeks, they removed his trach, and he was able to breathe and swallow on his own. He was still immobile and couldn’t walk or sit up by himself.”
Choosing Inpatient rehabilitation
On Feb.12, Jared was ready to take the next step in his recovery; his family chose Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Tucson after hearing high praise from doctors and nurses about the quality of care provided.
When he arrived, at RIT, Jared couldn’t stand, walk or even perform simple self-care tasks, but he was determined to regain his independence.
“Working with my therapists was hard, but I wanted to get better,” Jared said. “I made significant progress, and after they extended my stay, I no longer needed the lift to stand. I was excited to wheel around in the wheelchair.”
A care team that goes above and beyond
Jared regained his independence with the help of his care team. Every day was a challenge, but with encouragement and determination, he attained incredible milestones.
“When I was at Cornerstone, I didn’t have bowl and bladder training. While at Encompass Health I learned to go to the bathroom and take control of my bowel and bladder,” Jared said. “I had one nurse who was really encouraging, and I was very appreciative of their compassionate care. It lit a fire under me to get better!”
The sweet sounds of victory
During his discharge celebration, his band students surprised him by performing a few songs in his honor.
“It was a very rich experience to see all the students celebrating with me. It is a moment I will never forget, and I appreciate everyone who came to support me,” Jared said.
Transitioning back home
Jared returned home with the support of his mother at his side. He is completing self-care tasks on his own and is ready to return to the classroom in a few semesters.
“Inpatient rehabilitation saved my life. I trusted my therapists along the way and did what I needed to do. After this last surgery for my knee, I want to go back to Encompass Health for recovery,” Jared said.
Jared and Nina are thankful for the support and dedication the care team provided at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Tucson.
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