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Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Muhlenberg once again hosted an inspirational event to celebrate Trauma Survivors Day on May 21, 2025. Care teams, emergency medical services (EMS), survivors and families all gathered to celebrate five people who through incredible perseverance and hope transformed from trauma victims into trauma survivors.
“LVH–Muhlenberg is the cornerstone of trauma care in our region,” Maria Wescoe, Trauma Prevention Coordinator, says. “We help people with healing and rebuilding after traumatic injuries, often in the aftermath of chaos. Our care teams are a steady presence in the storm. Today, we honor our trauma survivors and our trauma heroes.”
Survivor Garrett Hall spoke at the event. He suffered a traumatic brain injury after a skiing accident.
To his care team, he shared: “When people hear my story, they tell me I’m lucky to be here, but it isn’t because of luck that I’m here – it’s because of all of you. You didn’t just save my life; you gave me the chance to live it.”
Five survivors and their care teams shared their miraculous stories.
“Everyone here from the specialists to the environmental services team helps us bring calm to chaos,” Michael Parisi, PA-C, says. “The work we do is critical and courageous. Everyone who works here displays grace against the gravity of the situations we face.”
Randy Orak – Orak was cutting down large trees at his home. Toward the end of the day, he made one last climb – this time without a backup rope. Tragically, he fell 50 feet to the ground. He was flown by LVHN–MedEvac to LVH–Muhlenberg.
Neurosurgeons treated two burst fractures in his spine, and orthopedic surgeons worked on his shattered lower legs. His recovery continues to impress everyone. Orak is grateful to his care team, family and friends, especially his wife. With their patience and support, he continues his road to recovery.
Danny Grigas – Grigas spent his 22nd birthday in the hospital recovering from injuries he sustained when he was hit by a car. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, fractures to his neck, a lacerated lung and severe chest trauma. Emergency surgery at LVH–Muhlenberg revealed a serious liver laceration. Grigas continues to go to rehabilitation.
He is paralyzed from the chest down, but through hard work and perseverance, he continues to build strength and is working to complete his college degree. In Grigas’ own words to his care team, “Thank you to everyone who helped me. Thank you for saving my life.”
Arkadiusz (Eric) Mierzwinski – Police found Mierzwinski’s vehicle down an embankment near his home. The car had crashed, and he was thrown through the soft top, landing about 20 feet from the vehicle. His severe injuries included neck and spine fractures, damage to his face and head, broken ribs and a broken collarbone. He was life-flighted to LVH–Muhlenberg where he spent 18 days and has since undergone many follow-up surgeries.
Miraculously, today Mierzwinski is back to work, and he continues to keep the same positive attitude that helped him get this far.
Garrett Hall – Hall was on a ski trip to celebrate his graduation from college and the start of his first job. Going down a double black-diamond course, he hit a pole, his helmet came off and his head hit the ground, hard. Hall suffered a traumatic brain injury and extensive damage to his leg. He was taken to LVH–Muhlenberg where he spent 45 days recovering, undergoing surgeries and beginning physical and mental rehabilitation.
Hall is exceeding all odds and continuing to learn to live life after a traumatic brain injury.