One pastor attributes his healing to Jesus and JRMC.
The Rev. Shawn Bowman leads his congregation of 200 members at Victory Lutheran Church. He’s also a husband and father of five.
Eight months ago, he fell eight feet off a ladder, shattering his wrist and in two places, breaking his back. He fractured the end of the radius bone in his wrist, a common injury after that type of fall.
“In one second, my life changed,” he said. “What made it good was God and our great hospital.”
What was supposed to be the beginning of a summer vacation turned in to a hospital stay, multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy.
“I was sitting in the Jamestown Regional Medical Center Emergency Department, feeling sorry for myself. The doctor told me how bad my fall could have been. I could have died or been permanently paralyzed. The doctor told me to be grateful and thank God all day. That really changed my perspective,” he said.
From there, Bowman worked with JRMC Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Michael T. Dean and Physician Assistant Patrick Walter, PA-C.
The Orthopedic team at JRMC specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. The specialty includes procedures such as total joint replacements of the hip, knee and shoulder, knee arthroscopy and fracture repair.
In his 20-year career, Dr. Dean has replaced and repaired more than 5,000 joints like Bowman’s.
“Today, it’s perfect,” Bowman said. “I couldn’t have gone to anywhere in the country and had a better surgery.”
Bowman especially appreciated the care of Physical Therapist Cody Champagne and Physical Therapy student Kaiann Arellano. JRMC treats patients like they are neighbors and friends, he said. And not just the doctors – the nurses, admissions team and business office too.
“That’s the kind of medicine we as a community need to thank the Lord for.”
Bowman said he’s thankful for something else too – the supporters who made JRMC possible.
“A hospital like this takes community involvement and gifts. I’m the beneficiary of a gift I did not deserve,” he said.
Today, Bowman is back to leading his church as well as the congregation’s youth groups and school.
His colleagues joke that he’s back to normal, except for his brain.
Teasing aside, the team worried about him, said Mel Hoke, K-2 teacher at Victory.
“God had you that day,” she said.
As the one-year anniversary of his injury approaches, Bowman said he’s taking the trip the family intended 12 months ago. This time, it’s not just a vacation but a celebration.
“I am a very blessed and fortunate person,” he said.
To learn more about Jamestown Regional Medical Center, visit www.jrmcnd.com/orthopedics.