Tevlin: Getting home for Christmas was no small feat

Jake Anderson grimaced with determination, and frustration, as he struggled to pull his right arm from behind him to his lap.

His physical therapist, Cheryl Greely, sat on a large workout ball behind Jake and encouraged him. Finally Greely gently guided Jake's elbow forward, and he was able to swing his hand and wrist around and drop it on his leg.

It was a small, exhausting triumph for the promising college student who was pushing himself, and his therapists, so he could get out of the hospital to get home for Christmas.

In September, Jake was out at a lake swimming with friends near Madison, Wis., where he was studying mechanical engineering. The water was shallow, and Jake hit bottom headfirst. Everything went limp, and Jake found himself submerged, swallowing water and fighting for his life.

"I didn't have time to think, I was using all my energy to call attention to myself," said Anderson. "I was probably under water less than 30 seconds. I was definitely exhausted, yelling under water basically."

His friends found him and carefully took him to shore, saving Jake's life. But in a few seconds, his world had drastically changed. Jake was paralyzed from the neck down, and he's been in therapy at the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis ever since.

On the day before Christmas Eve, Jake was eager to get his therapy in. When he found out the machine that helps him stand up was booked, the former high school hockey player insisted to therapists that they do exercises instead. "Let's get going," he said impatiently.

Within minutes, Jake had all the nurses and therapists greeting him. "I can see your neck," said one. Doctors had removed Jake's neck brace that morning, another small gain in what will be a long journey.

Later, as three buddies from the University of Wisconsin watched, Jake tried for the first time to operate his motorized wheelchair with his right hand, with mixed success. With a lot of help and coaching from his physical therapist, Jake took a zigzag lap around the hospital wing.

At one point, Jake struggled to use his left arm to scratch his nose. Later, friend Ryan Gaertner helped him with an itch behind his ear. That's a good friend.

His school friends are not surprised by Jake's work ethic.

"Someone said he gets more things done by 9 a.m. than most of us do all day," said Chris Klobucar, a friend from Edina.

Jake's hospital room is packed with memorabilia from friends, professional sports teams and neighbors. There is a pillow that bears his nickname and attitude, "JandyStrong," and positive slogans line the walls.

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing to do," read one. "But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's strength."

Since the tragedy, Jake's mother Lisa finds it remarkable how far Jake has come, but she's also amazed at the outpouring of love and support from friends, family and neighbors. They have cooked meals and sat watch over Jake at night when he couldn't even press the emergency button. People with construction skills have helped the Andersons reconfigure their Chanhassen home, turning part of the first floor into an accessible bedroom.

"All the labor has been donated," said Lisa. "It's allowed us to get ahead a little bit."

Jake spent Christmas at home with his parents, Mark and Lisa, and younger siblings Zach and Abby, plus plenty of friends to feed them. They stayed up with friends past midnight on Christmas Eve, then opened family presents.

Jake will continue outpatient physical therapy two days a week, but he also wants to participate in Project Walk, a paralysis recovery program where trainers focus on strengthening participants' muscles to increase their mobility and functioning.

Many of the Andersons' expenses are not covered by insurance, which is why friends have organized a fundraiser in January to help pay for programs and bills. The event is sold out, but donations can be made by visiting the event Web page, www. jandystrong.com.

"When the magic pill or solution comes, he wants to be ready to go," said Lisa.

Greely, the physical therapist, said working with Jake has been rewarding.

"It's easy when you have motivated people," Greely said. "I like patients who are willing to try. It's scary for them to try something they think they can't do. Jake came in here and couldn't do anything at first. That's the reward."

On Jan. 17, Hockey Day in Minnesota, Jake has been asked to be a guest at three hockey games, including a Minnesota Wild game.

Asked what motivates him to get stronger, Jake didn't hesitate: "A lot of it is these people, just showing their support," he said, nodding toward his friends. "It helps to have them here for me. I don't want to feel like I'm letting them down."

jtevlin@startribune.com • 612-673-1702