Williamsport, Pa., December 23, 2024 – In early July, a motorcycle accident left Nathan Beitz, 44, with a list of life-threating injuries like a traumatic brain injury and a ruptured diaphragm, among others that required extensive care. His road to recovery would be long and uncertain, but through a personalized rehabilitation approach and a dedicated care team and family, Nate’s journey has been one of successes.

After a month of care in the ICU at UPMC Williamsport, including three weeks of an induced coma for his body to stabilize and heal, Nate transitioned to inpatient rehabilitation within the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute where he was enrolled in the Disorders of Consciousness program (DoC). This program is unique to Williamsport and DoC programs are rare in the United States, requiring intensive resources and highly specialized staff. These programs focus on maximizing recovery potential through multidisciplinary care, including medical management, physical therapy, and advanced therapeutic interventions.

“For individuals seeking intensive care and therapy associated with traumatic injuries like Nathan’s, it’s so important to be in a program that provides the right brain stimulation for a patient’s interests,” said Rhonda Foster, physical therapist, UPMC Rehabilitation Institute in Williamsport.

When she and the team learned that Nate is a talented wood stain artist with pieces displayed in several restaurants throughout Williamsport, Rhonda included painting as part of Nate’s therapy. Early in his therapy, the team set up an easel, and with multiple staff members’ help, they held him upright and guided his arm. Just before Nate completed the program and went home, he reattempted the same subject, a sunflower, suggested by his girlfriend Amanda Darrin, with amazing results showing significant improvement from his earlier attempt.

“It’s a God-given talent that no one could take away from him,” said Amanda.

Nate’s rehabilitation involved far more than artistic expression. In addition to physical therapists, Nate’s multidisciplinary team was made up of nurses, an occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, recreational therapist, psychologists, and doctors, and more. Together, they provided holistic care, including community outings to help him reacclimate in addition to home visits to ensure Amanda was equipped to assist him in getting around with confidence. Regular family conferences – a staple of the DoC program – ensured that Nate and his loved ones were integral to his treatment plan.

Recently, Nate, Amanda, her daughter Ava, and Nate’s father Ed, walked through the inpatient rehabilitation unit to visit a few of the care team members that helped Nate through his healing journey, showcasing the strength of personalized care and determination. They were greeted with many smiles, hugs, and a few teary eyes as many staff members see his recovery and the progress he continues to make as nothing short of a miracle.

To learn more about UPMC Rehabilitation services in northcentral Pennsylvania, go to UPMC.com/RehabNCPA.