Edward Wade, Veteran, Completes Triathlon Alongside Therapy Team
Edward Wade grew up in several different states as a child, but he calls Delaware home. He left high school early to work as an engineer but later went back to finish his degree and graduated
as valedictorian. He followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the Army in 2000 in the 82nd Airborne Division 3rd Platoon C Company. He served in the Army for 11 years as an E5, and his military occupational specialty was infantry 11B.
Following the attacks on September 11, Edward was called to serve first in Afghanistan and later in Iraq. On February 14, 2004, Edward was traveling in a vehicle hit by an explosive device. Edward sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and suffered a transhumeral traumatic amputation, multiple fractured bones, soft tissue shrapnel injuries, plus complications due to acute anemia, hyperglycemia, and infections. Edward remained in a coma for months at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.
During his recovery, Edward joined NeuroRestorative’s Siesta Key, FL, program, where he participates in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, life skills training, vocational activities, and so much more. After years of not having upper extremities or prosthetics, our care team has been prepping Edward for a permanent limb for his right arm, which is a huge accomplishment.
Recently, Edward completed a Triathlon alongside Dr. Chris Cockrell, D.P.T, Physical Therapist. Dr. Cockrell is dedicated to including familiar hobbies and personal goals within an individual’s care plan. Hobbies like fishing, construction, woodworking, or in Edwards’s case, prepping for a Triathlon. Preparing for a Triathlon provided Edward not only with new skills like learning to ride a bike with one hand and aquatic therapy but also mentally dealing with anxiety and cognitive challenges. Quote from Dr. Cockrell.
Today, Edward is planning his next triathlon and has motivated others in the program to train and participate in the next race this fall. When asked what advice he would give to others going through similar challenges, Edward responded, “Find good leadership. The therapy will help you get back to how you were.”
At NeuroRestorative, we are proud to be part of Edward’s journey to independence.