Keaunu Eagle Chasing
When Keaunu Eagle Chasing was found unresponsive at home, his condition was dire. Rushed to Monument Health Rapid City Hospital, Keaunu required life-saving care, including ventilation support and, later, a tracheostomy to assist his breathing.
To continue his treatment and begin a ventilator weaning program, Keaunu transferred to the Rehabilitation and Critical Care Hospital of the Black Hills—a new specialty hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota. Given Keaunu’s need for complex medical care for an extended period, our critical care unit was well-suited to support his recovery.
Upon admission, Keaunu still faced significant challenges. In addition to being dependent on a ventilator, he had lost the ability to move any of his extremities. Our dedicated team immediately went to work, providing specialized respiratory support and initiating therapies to help him gradually regain movement.
Through perseverance and intensive care, Keaunu made remarkable strides. He successfully weaned off the ventilator—a pivotal milestone in his recovery! As his respiratory function improved, the medical team was able to remove his tracheostomy tube, marking another major step toward independence. Then, after two months in our critical care unit, Keaunu was ready to transition to our inpatient rehabilitation unit, where he began an intensive therapy program.
With daily rehab sessions and the encouragement of his skilled therapists—Sam, Tanya, and Shawn—Keaunu gradually regained his strength. At first, he could only manage small movements, but with time and dedication, he soon stood independently and began walking with the help of a walker.
Reflecting on his experience, Keaunu expressed gratitude for the entire staff, singling out his therapy team and nurses Debi, Rita, and Brittany for exceptional care. “Everyone was wonderful,” he shared.
Keaunu’s hard work paid off in extraordinary ways. Not only did he regain strength and independence, but he also achieved significant weight loss, shedding approximately 350 pounds. By the time of his discharge, Keaunu was able to walk to his car and return home, a moment of triumph for him and his entire care team.
“It is a long road to recovery, but the staff here are amazing,” Keaunu advises anyone considering the Rehabilitation and Critical Care Hospital of the Black Hills for themselves or a loved one.
Keaunu’s story has left a lasting impression on our team and the hospital community. His progress was so inspiring that he enthusiastically encouraged our staff, saying, “Use me as your poster child!” His journey is a powerful testament to the impact of critical care, medical rehabilitation, and the strength of the human spirit.
