Paralyzed Colorado Man Undergoes Surgery to Walk Daughter Down Aisle

A Colorado man, Russel McKeehan, has taken a significant step in his quest to regain mobility. Following a rare and complex surgery on July 17, 2023, he hopes to walk his daughter down the aisle at her upcoming wedding. McKeehan, 54, has faced numerous medical challenges over the past three decades, including severe injuries from accidents that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

McKeehan’s ordeal began three decades ago while he was working as a paramedic. An accident occurred when the ambulance driver fell asleep, causing the vehicle to roll. This incident marked the start of a series of medical setbacks. In 2007, after seeking treatment for debilitating headaches resulting from the accident, McKeehan suffered further complications that left him on life support.

Reflecting on that dark period, McKeehan expressed his despair: “I truly hate even saying this, but I told them, ‘Kill me now. I don’t want to live.’” Fortunately, he did not succumb to those feelings, and with time, he found renewed hope.

A decade later, he regained some mobility thanks to Dr. Scott Falci, a neurosurgeon at HCA HealthONE Swedish. After a successful surgery, McKeehan could move his arms and legs. However, his journey took another harrowing turn two years later when a serious accident involving his son’s pickup truck left him with multiple broken bones and significant pain.

“The lug nuts came loose on my son’s pickup, and the truck ended up rolling four times,” McKeehan explained. This incident forced him to return to Dr. Falci for a second surgery, which he approached with a singular goal: to walk his daughter down the aisle in September.

“I want her day to be about her and not be about me,” McKeehan stated, highlighting the emotional significance of the occasion.

The recent surgery proved to be a turning point. Just 12 hours post-operation, McKeehan regained function in his left side, a result that even Dr. Falci did not anticipate. “He’s moving his arm, he’s pulling his arm up to his face, and he’s kicking his left leg,” the surgeon reported, emphasizing McKeehan’s determination and resilience.

Dr. Falci noted that McKeehan’s motivation has played a crucial role in his recovery. “What he’s achieved, just with self-determination and desire, is amazing,” he added. According to a GoFundMe page set up to support McKeehan’s medical journey, he is now able to move both his left arm and leg, marking a significant milestone after a decade of limited mobility.

McKeehan humorously remarked on his challenging life, stating, “I often joke, you can’t write soap opera as bad as what I’ve lived through.” Through his struggles, he aims to teach his children resilience, expressing that “just when you’re given a bad hand, you can’t just give up.”

As he prepares for the special day in September, McKeehan remains focused on his recovery and the joy of walking alongside his daughter. His journey exemplifies the power of hope and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.