Gerry Hakala/A Matter of Courage - SCI Survivor

The call came at 3:00 Sunday morning, May 22, 1983. “Gerry’s been hurt and he can’t move his legs. Meet the ambulance at the hospital,” said the person on the phone. A group of young men had just completed their freshman year at college and had gotten together to reminisce. Gerry was wrestling with one of them when the accident happened. The ER doctor gave his parents the devastating news; his neck was broken and there was a ninety-five percent chance he would never walk again. Gerry spent almost five months in the hospital. He was told that whatever movement he gained back in a two-month period would be all he could expect. It was difficult for his parents and siblings to watch him suffer. But what happened in the days ahead made them realize that Gerry was not about to sit quietly and watch life pass him by.

While a patient in the hospital, Gerry was determined to continue his education. He enrolled in a correspondence course and, after his release, signed up for a directed study. The following semester he began taking classes on campus. He reached his first goal when he graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Business Management. The following year Gerry attended a three-month Bicycle Therapy Program at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He volunteered during his free time and was eventually hired, attaining his second goal. He became head of his department and was chosen “Most Valuable Professional.” He is now the Purchasing Contract Administrator for Spectrum Helath. Gerry’s career was in high gear, but something was missing . . . a family of his own. In 1997 he married and on July 9, 2000, became the father of twins, a boy and a girl. His life now feels complete; he is a husband and, most of all, a very proud father. He is truly an inspiration to those who know him.

Joann Hakala, Gerry’s mother, has written a book about Gerry entitled A Matter of Courage. To obtain the book contact Joann Hakala, P. O. Box 328, Negaunee, MI 49866, or e-mail her at Joooha@aol.com.