Kendrick and his PT

Patient Story

Back After a Traumatic Brain Injury

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The toddler years are meant to be a time of discovery, play and learning. For RIC patient Kendrick Hopson, however, this period of growth was tragically interrupted when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in his hometown of Rockford, Ill. The little boy, known as “Junior” to his family, was just two months shy of his second birthday.

Kendrick was admitted to RIC in August 2015 after a referral from his local hospital. Having sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI), he was no longer the active toddler who ran and played with family, got into mischief or smiled his way out of trouble. Kendrick’s grandmother, Frances Scott, agonized over her grandson’s blank stare. 

When Kendrick arrived at RIC he was confined to bed, unable to move and dependent on feeding tubes for nutrition. His head was supported by a neck brace, and his ability to communicate was minimal.“I was not familiar with RIC,” said Frances. “But today I can say that I’m so grateful Kendrick came here. I knew right away that we came to a special place.”

I miss our RIC family. His care and the support we had were tremendous.

Frances Scott, Kendrick's Grandmother

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Kendrick’s team of speech, physical and occupational therapists was committed to helping him regain as much ability as possible — mobility, dexterity, communication skills — but they walked a fine line. They knew that too much stimulation for a toddler with a brain injury could be counterproductive to recovery, and so they developed an evidence-based approach to fit his unique needs.

RIC’s Technology Center was consulted to assist in developing his treatment plan, which included use of digital devices that would help him recover cognitive and communication skills. Regaining these key abilities would maximize Kendrick’s potential for continued healing and independence.

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kendrick smiling at his therapist

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Kendrick’s team of speech, physical and occupational therapists was committed to helping him regain as much ability as possible — mobility, dexterity, communication skills — but they walked a fine line. They knew that too much stimulation for a toddler with a brain injury could be counterproductive to recovery, and so they developed an evidence-based approach to fit his unique needs.

RIC’s Technology Center was consulted to assist in developing his treatment plan, which included use of digital devices that would help him recover cognitive and communication skills. Regaining these key abilities would maximize Kendrick’s potential for continued healing and independence.

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About Our Care

Therapy can helping you regain abilities and independence. But when rehabilitation alone is not enough, Assistive Technology may offer solutions to facilitate skills that you once thought impossible.

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