Topeka firefighter joins 27 News to give update on recovery after brain injury

TOPEKA (KSNT)- Topeka firefighter Steve Skrzypek joined 27 News on Monday to give an update on his recovery, following a severe brain injury.

Skrzypek, who was also joined by his wife Renae, has returned home, after months in neurological rehab at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital’s Lincoln, Nebraska campus. Steve is now doing outpatient therapy in Topeka.

“It’s kind of nice to go to the two places I go to, because it’s something different to do… and it’s something interesting to do… so, pretty neat!” Steve said.

“Learning how to walk again, and trying to walk as normal as possible… I can’t really walk to my left very well, or backwards at all very well. I can walk to the right just fine, and forward just fine… and trying to learn how to walk like normal is a big part of it… trying to speak like normal… because I can’t do that very well… working on my memory and my thoughts,” he explained, as he described the recovery process.

Skrzypeck has a long journey ahead, as he continues to make headway in his recovery process. Doctors at Madonna said it can take five years for patients with brain injuries to reach their full recovery potential.

However, Steve’s care team has credited the support of his wife, his relentless courage, and positive attitude for making progress in his recovery.

“Very scary at the beginning… because there were so many unknowns… but, as we’ve come through it’s been very encouraging to see how hard he’s worked and how far he’s come,” Renae said.

“What I’m most looking forward to is finally getting to talk like normal, and walk like I’m supposed to… you know how we take things for granted a lot… I’d like to not take it for granted anymore… just do them… and feel happy about it,” Steve said.

To watch the full interview with Steve, and Renae, click here.

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