6 minute read
Using What I’ve Been Through to Inspire Others
Hello, my name is Kyle Blassingame.
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I am a senior majoring in exercise science with a minor in business administration. On the night of Friday, July 19, my life changed forever.
Four years ago, it was time to decide where to attend college and I had plans to leave my hometown to try something new; however, after touring campus I knew that TWU was my home for the next four years. I found numerous ways to get involved with athletics and organizations, including track and field, cheerleading team, Delta Zeta Phi, Student Government Association, student orientation coordinator, orientation leader, peer mentor, Student Ambassador, Hackberry and Oak Society, Health and Human Performance Club and National Society of Leadership and Success. Being involved was one of the most important things for me in college as it allowed me to grow into an adult, meet my friends and grow as a leader. I have also found opportunities to participate in community service in the Athens community, out of state and out of the country while being at TWU. I love serving because I have always said if something were to happen to me, I would want people to help me and that’s why I always give back! If I had not attended TWU I would not have had these same opportunities.
On July 19 I was on vacation with Lane Lusk, a fellow TWU student, and we were involved in a tragic car accident. Another vehicle was stolen by a teenager and a high-speed chase ensued, resulting in us being hit head on. Devastatingly, Lane passed away and I was severely injured from head to toe, including injuries to my right ankle, right knee, both femurs and my right hand. The right femur broke through the skin at the knee causing significant damage.
I woke up Sunday morning in the hospital with no memory of the accident, only to the sight of my parents explaining what all had happened to us. They showed me photos of the car looking like a crushed cube. They informed me I was trapped for a couple of hours. At that point, I had already had my first major surgery to repair as many of the injuries as possible. I spent 12 days at Medical University of South Carolina. I was more than excited to finally return home to my family and friends, though I knew this would be a long journey.
I was extremely happy to finally be home and recovering, so that I would be able to be up and doing things I would in my everyday life; however, I was consistently running a 102-degree fever. I had to begin home health with
nurses, an occupational therapist and a physical therapist to try and restore my regular movement. I was also seeing several different doctors due to my injuries and the damage done to my body. It became evident that something was still wrong with me. I was admitted back into the hospital after only being home for a few weeks, where I had three surgeries within one week.
After the first of these surgeries, we were informed there was a limbthreatening situation. Of course, it was initially scary to hear that I may lose my leg and emotionally challenging to think about; however, my family and I would pray about the situation at hand for healing. Going in and out of surgery over and over was difficult on my body to handle, but I knew I never wanted to give up and wonder what if there was something else we could do.
I spent the next several weeks in and out of the hospital, having multiple surgeries in an effort to save my right leg. The week leading up to my last surgery it was clear a life-changing decision had to be made. My family and I prayed for God to give us an answer and peace. The night before the surgery my lab work became elevated, my knee swelled bigger than ever and I just knew. God gave me the answer we were seeking. I knew that the amputation would be necessary to save my life. That morning the trauma surgeon came in and asked me if I had made a decision. After I told him, he said “I’m so glad because I don’t feel safe trying to save it anymore.”
As I write this, it is 20 weeks since the accident and seven weeks since the amputation. I’ve been able to start physical therapy three days a week to build my strength back up and I’m happy to report I started the prosthetic fitting. Part of the process is learning to walk again. It takes 60 percent more energy for an above the knee amputee to walk, but I’ve been able to get out more and start living life again.
On October 18, 2019, three months after my accident, I had an above knee amputation on my right leg.
When I came out of recovery surrounded by family and friends, I immediately felt relief that it was over - the infection was gone. After 13 weeks of pain, suffering and being bed-ridden, I could finally start the healing process from the accident.
I am very thankful that TWU worked with me and my family to allow me to continue with school in the fall semester and be able to graduate on time in May 2020. It has been the most challenging semester. You would think taking classes from home is easy, but you miss out not being in the classroom.
I’ve worked hard to be back on campus for the spring semester. I’ve tried to stay involved as much as possible in teams, groups and organizations. Sara Denny, Director of New Student Programs, has been instrumental in helping me stay on track with my classes. My TWU friends, teammates and fraternity brothers have stood by me the whole time. They’ve encouraged me, kept me included, studied with me, supported me, laughed and even cried at times. This is another reason that I know I picked the right college. The relationships I have formed are ones that will last a lifetime.
The community support has been amazing. I could never have imagined how many people would follow my journey and support and encourage me and my family. The prayers and love that we have received far and wide is humbling. We know that it has helped make this journey easier.
Although my life is forever changed, I’ve chosen to use what I’ve been through to inspire others and not allow it to change who I am. Although this will be an uphill climb for some time, I have faith that I will overcome, that everything happens for a reason and God kept me here for a purpose. I’m so blessed to have had my family by my side 24/7 since the accident. I truly could not have gotten where I am without them.
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