Often the spotlight is on athletes with the most records, those stars with the biggest box office draws, and musicians with the most CD sales. Real heroes are people who fight for our freedom--the men and women who sacrifice their lives, their health, and their safety. They deserve the stage and the applause—the real people on the home front inspiring us all to be better. However, sacrifice often does not come without a price.

A divorced father of two young sons from Wisconsin took a bullet to the brain, while serving our country in the Iraq War in 2006. He was not expected to live due to the severity of the bullet damage. The bullet could not be removed. However, he has undergone eleven surgeries, has had multiple evaluations, and extensive therapies, and rehabilitation. His journey of hope and recovery will be discussed by this rehab nurse case manager, who has insisted him for over three years. Despite the permanent cognitive, physical, and emotional deficits this brave veteran has faced, he had to also restore a relationship with his children; and face his future in a whole different way with many challenges, including additional problems with family dynamics and social programs. 

Creative care management interventions have helped him overcome struggles within the healthcare system, economic hardships, and ethical boundary violations, which have been more of a daily "war" within itself than facing enemy fire in Iraq. Advocacy, empower­ment, and compassion are key ingredients that have assisted “Operation Rescue” during his continued recovery. In addition, bridging therapeutic communication with his "bonded brothers" from Iraq War was necessary in paving his path forward and regaining motivation.

Through this “Road Trip of Strength,” effective and creative strategies of case management will be shared and discussed to learn to restore "care-itis" back into your case management routine, renew your caring spirit, and remind you of what is right in the world of case management. Not just dreaming a vision of helping a hero, but planning, implementing, and doing it!