Saturday, October 25, 2025
First, I need to say that finding time to sit down and write updates has been difficult. Between going back to work, trying to keep things moving at home, taking care of the other kids, and spending as much time as possible with Brennen, the days have been full and moving fast. There have been a lot of people asking for updates, and we are incredibly grateful for that support. It just has not always been easy to find the time to put everything into words.
It has now been almost a month since Brennen decided to full send it and change so much for so many people. Today we finally arrived at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago after what felt like a week-long battle with insurance approvals and paperwork. Getting here was a process, but we made it, and this marks the start of the next major chapter in Brennen’s recovery.
Before we left this morning, the staff physicians at the University of Iowa stopped in for one last visit. One of them summed it up in a way that only a doctor with a sense of humor could, Brennen was told that when he arrived he was “shitty, shitty, shitty,” but that he has rebounded beyond their wildest dreams. Their words were simple, but the meaning behind them was powerful. Brennen was truly a miracle case for them, and they shared that he is tracking somewhere around 8–12 weeks ahead of where they would normally expect someone with these injuries to be.
That is something none of us take lightly.
Right now Brennen is able to walk short distances with some help. He still needs what we jokingly call a “babysitter” when he’s up and moving, but the fact that he is walking at all at this stage is remarkable. His speech and comprehension have also been doing great, which has made a huge difference in his care. Being able to communicate what he needs, when he is uncomfortable, and when he is in pain has been a big step forward.
Like anyone recovering from a traumatic injury, he still gets confused at times and mixes things up here and there. But that is part of the healing curve, and compared to where he started, the progress has been incredible.
Next week things really kick off here. Brennen will begin the full schedule of physical therapy and rehabilitation that Shirley Ryan is known for. The work ahead of him will be intense, but if there is one thing we know about Brennen, it is that once he sets his mind on something, he goes after it. His goals are simple in his mind, get home, get back to work, and finish building his truck. That has been one of the biggest motivators pushing him forward every single day.
Before leaving Iowa City, Brennen also took a trip back through the ICU. He wanted to see and personally thank some of the staff members who had such a direct hand in him still being here today. Brennen stood up, shook their hands, and thanked them face-to-face. It was an emotional moment for all of us. Those doctors, nurses, and staff were there during the worst of it, and seeing him standing there in front of them was something none of them…..or we……… will ever forget.
Brennen has also asked that we pass along some messages from him.
To the people who called 911:
“Thank you to those that came across me and called 911. I don’t think I would be here today if it was not for you.”
To the fire and EMS crews:
“Thank you for doing everything you did. I can’t come up with enough words — thank you.”
To the dispatcher and deputies who were involved that night:
“Thank you for following your gut and sending help when you got the call, and thank you for calling my parents and letting them know.”
To everyone who has reached out and supported our family:
“Thank you so much for everything. I don’t know how I will ever say thank you.”
Brennen has a sincere appreciation for everyone who has supported him along this journey, the people who helped him that night, the medical teams who cared for him, and the countless friends, family members, and complete strangers who have reached out, sent messages, and prayed for him.
We still have a long road ahead, but today feels like a big step forward.
And if the last 28 days have taught us anything, it is this, Brennen is not backing down from the fight.
~ Dad