“I was responding ‘lights and sirens’ to an emergency call and was stopped at a traffic light,” Jason Schechterle recalls. He describes the event as part of an average, ordinary day in his life as a Phoenix, Arizona, police officer. Then a taxicab driver nearby suddenly had a seizure and lost control of his cab. He hurtled into Jason's patrol car at more than 100 miles per hour, resulting in an explosion, consuming the car and Jason in flames. In seconds, Jason’s life was irrevocably changed.
Jason is a hero in my book. After the accident, Jason had to endure a new way of life. Jason suffered third- and fourth-degree burn injuries to more than 43% of his body, the majority to his neck, head, face, arms, and thighs. He spent the next two and a half months in a medically induced coma at the burn center, fighting for his life. When he awoke he was so sick that he could not fully comprehend the extent of his own injuries.
“Not only was I seriously ill, burn-injured, and struggling for my life,” says Jason, “but I was also blind as a result of the injuries.” Jason describes in a matter-of-fact manner that the challenge of healing from the pain and trauma of his injuries was one of the most difficult things he had ever encountered—but he quietly admits that the most difficult challenge was dealing with the fact that he was 100% blind.
Jasons road to recovery is inspiring. Jason shares the message of hope and mentl toughness. Please like, follow and share this podcast with everyone you know.Jason's story is worth sharing. Also, subscribe to the podcast so you can become aware of upcoming episodes.
Also, check out www.fightlikedavid.com.
