From Crisis to Comeback: Celebrating Resilience at Miami Valley Hospital’s Trauma Survivors Event

Each year, the Miami Valley community gathers to honor strength, recovery, and the people who make second chances possible. Earlier this month, Miami Valley Hospital hosted its annual Trauma Survivors Celebration, highlighting four individuals whose determination and courage carried them through life-threatening injuries.

As a proud sponsor of this event for several years, Optimus Prosthetics is honored to support a celebration that shines a light on perseverance and healing.

This year’s honorees included 17-year-old Brooke Bergman, a student-athlete from Versailles who was struck by a semi-truck in 2024. Once confined to a wheelchair and dependent on a feeding tube, Brooke now attends school and continues to regain her athletic abilities.

The ceremony also recognized Crystal Ayers, who broke 21 bones after being hit by a truck while running, Derrick Selhorst, a truck driver who fought to walk and work again after a crash, and Taren Kinnel, who endured 52 days of recovery following a motorcycle accident. Each survivor represents the incredible continuum of care in our region from first responders to trauma surgeons, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists who help restore independence and confidence.

Dr. Peter Ekeh, trauma medical director and founder of the event, shared that the celebration gives patients and medical teams a sense of closure and pride.

For Optimus Prosthetics, this partnership reflects our mission of lifelong mobility. We believe movement is essential to healing and to living fully, and these survivors embody that belief every day.

We are grateful to stand alongside Miami Valley Hospital and all who dedicate their work to restoring lives. Their compassion and expertise are a cornerstone of our community’s strength.

Sources: Dayton Daily News, WDTN News, WHIO TV 7