The fall of 2004 was an exciting time for Mike Cornelius and his daughters Becky and Rachael. Becky was going to college in Madison and 16-year-old Rachael would be a junior at Rhinelander High School. But on August 12, as Mike was helping his oldest daughter move into the dorms in Madison, he received a phone call from the Oneida County Sheriff's Department telling him that Rachael was involved in a very serious motor vehicle crash.

"It's a parent's worse nightmare," shared Mike. "The drive to Marshfield seemed endless and many things went through my mind as we neared the emergency department at Saint Joseph's Hospital."

Because Rachael was entrapped in the vehicle, it took nearly two hours before she was removed from the wreckage and airlifted by the Spirit of Marshfield to Saint Joseph's Hospital Trauma Center. Mike and Becky arrived at the hospital shortly after Rachael, but they were unable to see her right away, as her condition was critical.

In addition to a severe head laceration, Rachael's most critical injuries included extensive pelvic fractures involving her hip joint, left and right leg fractures, rib fractures, and a slight brain bleed. Following major surgery on August 13 to repair the femur fracture led by Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Paul Kosmatka, Rachael was admitted under the care of Trauma Services to the Hospital's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit under the care of Pediatric Intensivists, Dr. Todd Stewart and Dr. Edward Fernandez.

On August 16, Rachael again underwent surgery to repair the fractures to her pelvis and hip joint. Dr. Robert Leggon performed this surgery. Rachael's extensive care also involved a multitude of other surgeons and specialists on staff at Saint Joseph's Hospital. Rachael remained in the PICU for seven days.

"We were told that there was uncertainly as to whether Rachael would be able to walk," shared Mike. "But we knew that Rachael had determination and we prayed for a full recovery."

Although in traction and intubated, Rachael amazingly remained positive throughout her stay. She was alert enough to communicate through writing, as she was unable to speak due to a breathing tube.

On August 20, Rachael was moved out of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit onto the regular pediatric floor. However, she had a long road to recovery ahead of her. She went through intense therapy in the hospital's Rehabilitation Unit for two weeks, enduring daily physical and occupational therapy.

Exactly one month following the crash, 16-year-old Rachael Cornelius was able to walk out of the hospital. Although she needed assistance, as she was unable to bear weight on her left leg, she was very happy to be able to return home. In October, she was able to start bearing weight on both legs with the assistance of a walker.

Today Rachel walks with a very slight limp, but doesn't need the assistance of a walker or crutches. She has many hobbies and interests, but mostly enjoys sports, music, and the outdoors.

"I always tell people to love and appreciate what you have," said Rachael, "because in a minimum of two seconds your whole world can do a 180. When you feel like you've reached the end or the dark, the light of hope shows up out of nowhere."