Ethan’s Story

On June 29, 2013, at URJ-GUCI, a summer camp near Indianapolis, a sudden burst of lightning struck on the athletic field where Ethan, nearly 13-years-old, was out enjoying some Ultimate Frisbee with other campers. Everything changed for Ethan in that one moment. He was taken in critical condition to the local Children's Hospital, where the doctors and nurses worked around the clock to stabilize him and assess his injuries. Ethan suffered a severe brain injury as a result of the lightning strike; he requires 100% total care and has limited voluntary movements. He doesn't speak, yet has a range of vocalizations to communicate his needs. To this day, he still loves sporting events and musical theater.  

At the end of June 2023, it will have been 10 years since Ethan and our family started this unexpected journey. It has been a challenging road to travel, as we have encountered a multitude of medical setbacks throughout the years. It has not been without joy, however, and each day that Ethan laughs or smiles is a brighter day in our lives. 

The type of lightning event that injured Ethan is known as a "bolt out of the blue" as it comes without any warning. The day Ethan was struck by lightning was a blue-sky day, and meteorologists at the time estimated the lightning traveled from a distance over 15 miles away.

Follow Ethan’s Journey http://www.jointeamethan.org/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jointeamethan