Connor , during a physical therapy session at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital with Sarah , Physical Therapist ; Benjamin Pence , DO , Director of Neurosciences
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY , CLOSE TO HOME
MEET CONNOR SMITH
Life was hectic for Connor Smith . He had just finished at the top of his class at both the fire academy and paramedic school and was looking forward to starting work in northern Nevada . It was winter 2019 , and he was ready to have some fun . The plan was to ride ATVs at Sand Mountain with his brother Cody , dad Lance and some friends , but a jump would change everything . Connor ’ s ATV took off but landed awkwardly , and he remembers immediately knowing he was paralyzed .
Connor ’ s mom , Dana Shugar , was at home when she received the upsetting call from Cody , who told her he had an accident . Connor was flown to Renown Regional Medical Center , the area ’ s only Level II Trauma Center .
After a seven-hour emergency surgery , Dana learned that Connor would live but only had a slight chance of walking again due to a spinal fracture . “ The surgeon saved his life . It ’ s amazing how your life can change in a matter of seconds ,” she said .
ANNUAL REPORT 41