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Determination: A Real Success Story - By Marie Andrée Paquin
This is a success story about determination, courage, strength and team work.
Injured in December 2008 by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while on duty in Afghanistan, MCpl Mike Trauner  lost both legs (one above and the other below the knee) and suffered numerous injuries to his left hand.
He arrived at the Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre in January 2009. This is when his incredible rehabilitation journey began. Civilian and military physiotherapists, an occupational therapy team and prosthetists collaborated to maximize his capabilities with the use of prostheses.
His physiotherapy program focused on prosthetic gait training, strengthening (including core muscle work), endurance and balance training. Right from the beginning, he showed his willingness to participate in intense daily therapy. In OT, he worked very hard at regaining function of his left hand. He also spent some time in the prosthetic department being fitted for his lower extremity prostheses. He has been so dedicated that there were not enough hours in a day to do all he wanted to do. Through his extreme determination and perseverance he was able to exceed the expectations of his therapists.
Now after 9 months of rehabilitation, Mike can walk with no aid. His gait pattern can be described as faultless. His longest walk has been 7 km. He has regained enough hand function to be able to  throw and catch a football while standing unsupported. Other accomplishments are: walking up and down a hill on grass, playing badminton, doing combat drills, walking in all directions while throwing and catching a 4 kg medicine ball (a task that was harder for his therapist than for himself!). He has recently been fitted with running legs and this is his next challenge. He plans to return to active duty with the military.
As a physiotherapist, I witnessed what the power of the mind can do at its best. His determination, strength and positive attitude have been remarkable. Going to work every day has brought me professional satisfaction. My goal has been to keep him challenged throughout his rehabilitation. Mike would never refuse to try something new. He has strived to surpass himself from day one working through setbacks and pain.
It has been very inspirational to see the positive impact Mike has had on every person he has met, from his military peers to other rehab patients, young and old. He has been a positive role model, encouraging other rehabilitation patients to persevere. Everyone has enjoyed watching him reach new levels also enjoyed his genuine and kind personality. His wife Leah once said when talking about her husband: “Mike is the strongest, most determined man I know, he inspires people without even knowing it and he is too modest to admit it”.
I have worked over 21 years at the Rehabilitation Centre as a physiotherapist and I can truly say that Mike is a real success story. Thank you Mike!
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