Transforming Trauma into Success

“Tomorrow is never promised, so make the most of today.”

These are the words that Nathan Barkocy chooses to live by. In fact, the 26-year-old portfolio entrepreneur and owner of several real estate, health care and development businesses strongly believes in living life with a human approach.

“After surviving a near-fatal accident at age 16, I have learned the importance of leading with my heart,” he explains. “And that’s exactly what I do every day.”

Shattered Dreams

It was January 23, 2016, when Nathan was on a training ride with his coach and teammates near his home in Albuquerque. A top-ten nationally ranked professional cyclist, Nathan was training for an upcoming semi-professional race when a distracted driver traveling more than 55 miles per hour hit him, throwing the teen about 20 feet.

“I was initially pronounced dead at the scene, but after being rushed to a nearby hospital, I remained in a coma for two weeks,” Nathan says. “When I woke up, I was speaking Spanish and the left side of my body was completely paralyzed due to severe head trauma.”

Two weeks later, Nathan took a medical flight from Albuquerque to Denver to begin his neurorehabilitation at Craig.

Just after arriving, he recalls sitting in bed at Craig and struggling with his new reality: “One day, I was a nationally-ranked road cyclist, setting my sights on the Olympics and turning professional. And the next day, I couldn’t get out of bed on my own. I needed to relearn how to walk, talk and eat. Basically, I had to learn how to live again as a teenager, while also coming to terms with the fact that my racing career was over. It was really, really difficult.”

Marybeth, Nathan’s mom, adds, “While it was a challenging time, we were extremely grateful to be at Craig. The doctors and therapists gave us so much hope. Their expertise, knowledge and dedication were unbelievable.”

Where Miracles Happen

Nathan spent two months at Craig, taking part in a rigorous therapy schedule. “I loved physical and occupational therapy because I have always been an athlete,” he says. “But school was another story.”

At first, Nathan recalls feeling reluctant to attend school while in the hospital. But a mutual love of cycling and the Broncos—shared by Nathan and Laura Magnuson, coordinator and teacher in Craig’s donor-supported School Program—changed his mind.

“Thanks to Laura, my schoolwork was relatable and fun,” Nathan explains. “While my brain injury made memory and motivation difficult, Laura did a great job of matching my mental capacity with all of my sophomore year requirements.”

He adds, “There was so much warmth, positivity and support at Craig. They took me from someone who was paralyzed and in a coma to someone who was able to walk out the hospital’s front doors. I always had a lot of drive—probably due to my cycling—but Craig really honed in on that drive and helped me ease back into life. It really is a place for miracles.”

A True Entrepreneur

After returning home, Nathan went back to school and graduated with his class in the spring of 2018. He continued on to Franciscan University in Ohio to pursue a business management degree.

Today, Nathan is married to his college sweetheart and has two small children. His primary passion and motivation is his young and growing family.

Since graduating from college, he has become a general partner for a master-planned community, created a real estate restoration business, launched his own landmark development, and co-authored a book with Sharon Lechter on entrepreneurship and redefining wealth.

“I feel like I have accomplished a lot in a short time. My ultimate goal is to build generational wealth and provide a good life for my family,” he says. “While I have definitely experienced a lot of challenges in my life, I believe that God transforms trials into triumphs.”

To learn more or donate to help Craig patients like Nathan, please visit craighospital.org/foundation/help-patients.