Posted on September 3, 2021
Motocrosser Todd DeHoop on road to recovery after spinal cord injury in Daytona Supercross event crash
Veteran motocross racer Todd DeHoop was rounding a corner during a practice session at the Daytona Amateur Supercross Championship when things took a devastating turn.
In an instant, Todd went down hard, sustaining a serious spinal cord injury. Doctors at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona determined Todd fractured his third and fourth cervical vertebrae at the base of his neck, causing a cord contusion. He was paralyzed from the neck down.
“I was literally 100 percent scared to death,” Todd said.
Seven days after the March 7 crash, Todd was airlifted to Mary Free Bed to begin vigorous rehabilitation. Despite the severity of his condition, Todd’s positive attitude and will to work hard put him on the path to recovery.
Occupational therapist Jamie Schumaker attributed Todd’s drive and determination to what he exhibited during his lifelong racing career.
“He applied that to this situation and was ready to go,” Jamie said.
With intensive physical, occupational and recreational therapy, Todd progressed quickly for the severity of his injury. He regained use of the left side of his body and most of his right. He’s also able to walk.
“I enjoyed watching his recovery,” said Dr. Sam Ho, who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. “It’s incredible.”
The 53-year-old Zeeland resident graduated from Mary Free Bed’s inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program on April 25. He’s building on his progress with outpatient therapy and enjoying time with his wife and two daughters.
Meet Todd and his Mary Free Bed therapy team in this video:
MLive featured Todd in a story about his recovery:
Motocross racer Todd DeHoop walking, working three months after devastating accident
