The Accident
On November 8, 2013, Boone Bartlome was playing high school football in his hometown of Kuna, Idaho, just southwest of Boise. “In the first quarter, I was having a pretty decent game,” Boone said. He was blocking a running play when he tripped over a teammate, hit his chin on a player’s knee and fell. It didn’t hurt at all, Boone said, but when he tried to get up, he couldn’t.
Boone, a 16-year-old junior was carried off the field by paramedics and rushed to a hospital in Boise, Idaho. He had shattered his C4 vertebra and cracked his C5, resulting in a spinal cord injury and paralysis. He was unable to move his legs or arms.
At first, Boone wanted to stay in his tight-knit community in Idaho and rehabilitate near his friends and family, but his parents were interested in the care a specialty hospital could provide, and he was transferred to Craig Hospital. The relationships Boone made at Craig surprised him.
“One of the biggest shocks to me was when I got into the therapy rooms and I saw the other people and what they were doing, that motivated me,” he said. “You become friends with these people. These people become your family.”
Momentum
The physical therapists and occupational therapists pushed Boone to do everything he could do for himself, he said, giving him the tools he needed to maximize his recovery.
“I would see people doing one thing one day and the next day they’re standing up or taking steps. I’m just like, well, hey, I’ll get there.”
With hard work and the support of his friends and family, Boone regained some feeling in his feet, and when he graduated from Craig in early 2014, he was able to walk with help.
Meanwhile, the outpouring of support from his community in Kuna was just gaining momentum. The Monday following the accident, 800 people attended a rally to support Boone, and hear an update on his condition. The community helped remodel the Bartlome’s home to be wheelchair accessible. And the town organized a 5k to raise funds for his recovery.
Going Home
Boone’s football coach, who said he hadn’t slept through the night since the accident, organized a town-wide celebration to welcome Boone home when he graduated from Craig the following February. Friends arranged for Boone to be reunited with his best friend – his Labrador, Zeke – upon arrival. They were holding signs and banners and released gold and black balloons, the school’s colors. The crowd chanted “Boone!” while his father helped him out of the car.
An article in the Idaho Statesman said the football team had been aiming for a state title, but now have a new purpose: supporting Bartlome and his family for as long as it takes. When he returned home, they ran an article about his warm welcome titled “Boone is Back.”
Boone’s recovery isn’t complete, but his family is encouraged by his significant progress. “I’ve learned that there’s no activity that just can’t be done,” Boone said. “Craig has taught me that if I want to do anything, I just have to find a way.”
Team Members
Stephanie Laube
Physical therapist
Kirsten Benavidez
Occupational therapist
Maureen Stobbelaar
Occupational therapist
Boone, Craig Grad 2013
Reaching Goals
When I came in I was barely moving my arms. I told myself I was going to stand up and now I’m standing up. Life is good.
Learn more about Boone’s Programs and Services
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation and Treatment
SCI treatment and rehabilitation at Craig focuses on aggressively working with patients physically and psychologically, so that in a short period of time patients can maximize their neurological recovery and general health.
Physical Therapy
The goal of physical therapy at Craig is to promote functional independence and mobility, customized to each patient’s individual needs.
Occupational Therapy
At Craig, occupational therapy focuses on maximizing independence in daily living skills.