Trent Waggoner knows better than most how life can change in an instant.

After leaving his morning classes at the University of Louisville, Trent stopped to help a woman change her tire on I-65. In a flash, his car was hit by a fast-moving vehicle, pinning him between his vehicle and the stranded motorist’s vehicle.

Trent’s legs were mangled, so he was taken to the University of Louisville Hospital in hopes of salvaging his legs and saving his life.

Upon his arrival in the Trauma Center, it was clear to the team they would not be able to save one of his legs. The tissue was simply too damaged. His leg had to be amputated just below the knee. Fortunately, his other leg could be saved.

Despite the trauma Trent experienced that day, he said his recovery and life after his accident has been better than he expected thanks to the team that cared for him.

“It’s hard for people to appreciate it until they need it,” Trent says, referring to the Level I trauma services provided by University Hospital.

In addition to the surgical expertise he received, Trent says “all the nurses and techs that I had at University Hospital really helped me turn everything into a positive experience.”

Trent’s story is a testament that although life doesn’t always turn out as planned, there can still be triumph over trauma.

Trent is so grateful for the services he received at University Hospital that he serves on the hospital’s Care Advisory Team. This team is comprised of former patients and family members who work to promote the culture and ideas of patient- and family-centered care; to advise hospital leadership, faculty and staff on patient needs and hospital priorities; and to educate and empower families about their role in their loved ones’ care.

Today, Trent lives with a renewed sense of purpose. He remains in school, pursuing his business degree at Ottawa University in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He also turned his unfortunate situation into a cause by creating an organization called Fairings 4 Amps, an organization that raises money to provide coverings for prosthetics for fellow amputees.

If all that wasn’t enough to keep Trent busy, he is also looking forward to his wedding to Nichole Thomas on September 7, 2013, which is the anniversary of his accident.

Trent is grateful for this second chance at life he’s been given. He said he really didn’t know much about University Hospital’s trauma services before his accident, but now he can’t stop singing the team’s praises.

“They’re always there on call for people like me and for people like the tornado victims. They’re doing something for the community,” Trent says. “They help so many people every day.”

To read more about our other proud patients, please visit myUofLHealthcare.org.