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Remmeter Plans to
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Remmeter Plans to continue education at college level Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) survivor and 2005 SHS graduate, Corie Remmetter is on the road to recovery after her car accident in August of 2005 and is planning on continuing her college education. “It’s all just starting to come together for her now,” Corie’s mother, Karen Remmetter said. “Every aspect of her life has been changed by the accident, and she’s overcoming it.” Corie was moved from the hospital to Gentiva Rehab Without Walls in Arizona in the beginning of February. The area of the rehabilitation facility in which Corie lives is a transitional place for TBI survivors to learn skills for working in the world again. “It’s a wonderful rehabilitation program,” Karen said. “They provide such excellent services for TBI survivors.” Corie’s vision proved to be a challenge, due to the double vision; it impaired normal activities, such as walking.” “I couldn’t see details out of that [the right] eye,” Corie said. As a result, a black contact was placed on the right eye, which is legally blind, to block out all sight from it. “Not having double vision has made my life so much easier,” Corie said. Karen has seen much progress in Corie this year. “She’s trying with all the grace and dignity she can to come back to her full potential and is trying to accept the way she is now. That is her greatest challenge,” Karen said. Corie’s next five weeks of therapy will be focused on improving her cognitive skills so she can take an English class at Scottsdale Community College in Arizona. “They don’t water it down…it’s a college-level class,” Karen said. At the community college, they may allot more time for tests, because she is visually impaired and has a brain injury and allow a tape recorder as an alternative for taking notes. “[The next five weeks are for] testing the waters and seeing what she might be able to handle in college,” Karen said. “The goal is to attend the University of Arizona in the fall.” After the accident, Corie’s college plans had been put on hold. “She had withdrawn from college when she had her accident. Her neurosurgeon told us she wouldn’t be returning [that year],” Karen said. However, after writing four essays and reapplying to the University of Arizona, Corie received an acceptance letter at the end of April. She has high hopes for college. “I’m majoring in business,” Corie said. A program at the University of Arizona awaits Corie. “It’s a program called SALT, specifically designed for young adults with disabilities,” Karen said. Meanwhile, while Corie’s rehabilitation took place, her mother stayed at a Ronald McDonald house in Arizona from Aug. 27 to May 10. Living nearby has brought Corie and Karen close together. “Mother’s Day was blessed this year. I could celebrate it with my daughter,” Karen said. Although currently staying in Arizona, the two still make trips to Sandpoint. “This is our third visit back,” Karen said. The Remmetters returned to Sandpoint for Thanksgiving and Christmas and the current trip was for Corie to come home and see her friends who graduated from Sandpoint High and just finished their first year of college. The trips home help Corie continue the rigorous rehabilitation program. “I’m getting so much better,” Corie said. “The last few days [I’ve been] going downstairs by myself…I learned how to run and do tennis and yoga.” Corie and her mom firmly believe it was the community and God that helped save Corie. “Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me,” Corie said. “That’s what kept me alive.” With all that Corie has accomplished, she has displayed spirit and determination throughout. She is even a motivation and encouragement to others. “Her sense of courage and her faith and desire to heal to her full potential [are remarkable]. She has kept such a positive attitude through the most difficult of challenges,” Karen said. “She’s my inspiration.” |
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