Brian

Age: 23

Age of injury: 7

Diagnosis:

Amputation and reattachment of left arm

Doctor who treated Brian: Dr. Mark Gotlieb

Favorite activities:

Anything outdoors, working on cars, hanging out with friends and family, and playing with my dogs

How has your injury/illness/disease affected your life?

My injury has given me an appreciation for what we have in life.  Although my accident was tragic, being at Phoenix Children's hospital put everything in perspective. At the end of the day, I am alive, healthy and still have my arm.  I got to know many other children while I was there who had conditions that were terminal.

Their smiling faces and attitudes made me realize how lucky I really had it. The parents of these children with terminal conditions had sympathy for me and what I was going through.  I believe these other individuals had a larger impact on my life than my accident. I think my experience has impacted my life more with life lessons than any physical hindrance. My arm has never kept me from doing anything.  Some things I may do differently than other people, but I still just about everything.

What is the most difficult aspect of being hospitalized and/or your treatment?

The hardest part was the pain and boredom.

How did your injury affect your day-to-day life?

It affected my day-to-day life for about six years after my accident. I was home schooled for a semester directly after my accident and had to go to therapy three days a week for six year. I was also unable to play normally for a year or two after my accident.  Today – and for many years – my arm has not affected my day-to-day life at all.  I live a normal, happy and productive life.

Is there an aspect of your care at Phoenix Children's that stands out in your mind?

My favorite part about Phoenix Children's was the staff and personal attention to myself and my family. The staff made it as fun for me as possible. There were many nurses that would go out of their way to make sure I was comfortable. I remember playing and laughing with many of them. The very unique aspect of Phoenix Children's Hospital is that they were just as concerned about family as me, the patient. The Hospital really embraces the idea that when a child is in the hospital, so is their entire family. Also, the staff empowered and educated my family on how to take a hands-on approach with my treatment and healing plan.

How has your injury changed your philosophy of life?

I strongly believe that the mind is a powerful thing. Whatever you set your mind to can be accomplished with focus and discipline. This philosophy was not changed by my accident, but it was reinforced in a powerful way.