28-05-2025
Teen crash survivor awarded for recovery from life-threatening accident
TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)—CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System recognized a local teen for his recovery and the healthcare specialists who helped him on his journey at its annual trauma survivors ceremony on May 21.
May is National Trauma Survivor Awareness Month. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These injuries include motor vehicle crashes, drug overdoses, falls, and other accidental events.
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17-year-old Shaun Van Kam survived a life-threatening crash in October 2023. At the ceremony, Shaun was reunited with healthcare workers involved in his recovery and presented with the 'Spirit of a Survivor' award.
'It was a very foggy morning,' said Summer Van Kam, Shaun's mother, recalling the day of the accident. 'Shaun was heading to school and came to a stop sign and unfortunately had impact with an 18-wheeler.'
Shaun underwent extensive treatment following the crash, including intensive care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and relearning basic life skills.
'Shaun has been through pain that could have crushed him, trauma that could have defined him, and moments that could have made him give up,' said Lauren Jamison, trauma program manager at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System. 'We are grateful that God didn't let the story end there.'
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Jameson recalled praying with his mother in the emergency room when Shaun was first brought in as they watched the medical team work to save his life. Shaun's recovery has allowed him to return to school and live as a typical, energetic teen.
'It's so touching the amount of people that prayed for us and reached out to us,' Summer Van Kam said. 'I don't know where we'd be today if we hadn't had that support.'
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