By Annette P. Gomes, U.S. Army Warrior Care and Transition
ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 22, 2017 — Army Sgt. Aaron Averre is a
walking, talking miracle. Shortly before Christmas in 2016, he suffered his
first of many seizures.
“It started with headaches … I didn't think much of them. We
work hard as soldiers and often times it can create physical discomforts. I was
feeling especially tired after being released for Christmas break and decided
to lay down,” Averre recalled.
He continued, “My next memory was being surrounded by Fire
Department and Emergency Medical Services in my home. I didn't recognize my
wife, I couldn't tell EMS who I was, where I was. And given all the
disorientation, I became combative toward the people trying to help me.”
Brain Surgery
As Christmas day approached, Averre found himself at the
University of North Carolina’s hospital undergoing emergency brain surgery to
remove a mass in his frontal lobe. The surgery was successful.
Averre said he returned home with 42 staples and a plate in
his head.
Three days later, Averre found himself back in the hospital
after he collapsed at home from chest pain. Pulmonary embolisms were found in
his lungs, in addition to a form of tachycardia, an extremely rapid heart rate.
“I lost most of my memory after the first seizure and only
recall faint images and sounds during the emergency care. It was unknown if my
memories would return or if I would literally have to start over," Averre
said of his experience. “There was also a very real concern as to whether I
would survive the brain surgery. This was especially hard on my wife and
family. My mother flew from Washington State to North Carolina, uncertain that
I would be alive when she got here. The emotional toll during everything was
infinitely overwhelming.”
Recovery
With his family’s unwavering support and his determination,
Averre began to get better. He credits Womack Army Medical Hospital, the UNC
Hospital, Cape Fear Regional Hospital, Intrepid Spirit TBI Clinic and Cape Fear
Valley Cardiology for his ongoing recovery.
Fort Bragg’s Warrior Transition Battalion is a “Godsend,” he
said
“The Fort Bragg WTB has been the biggest blessing for my
recovery. I am very fortunate to have had the unwavering support of my previous
unit to send me here. The WTB has provided me with expert level medical care
monitoring, physical activities to aid in recovery, internships to assist with
skill retention and emotional support for myself and family,” Averre said of
his experience with the WTB.
He added, “The civilians, cadre and command team of the WTB
have ensured that no matter where I transition to, I will be prepared.”
Determined to always find the silver lining in a cloud,
Averre, who hails from the state of Washington, said he and his wife, Tonya,
will experience another miracle in 2018.
“I’m a stubborn person with a strong will to live,” he said.
“I still have a lot to accomplish in this life. It truly is a miracle for us to
be expecting a beautiful baby girl this January. I am blessed to have such an
amazing wife and family.”
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment