The Journey to Recovery After a Severe Car Accident
May 22, 2025
On April 6, 2024, Charles “Chaz” Berry and his wife went out for what should have been a routine dinner. However, their evening took a drastic turn when they approached a busy intersection and witnessed a head-on collision. Without hesitation, Berry acted on instinct, pulling his vehicle forward to block traffic and rushing to assist the injured woman involved in the crash.
As his wife returned to their vehicle to retrieve a first aid kit, tragedy struck again. Another motorist, speeding through the intersection, struck Berry. The impact was so severe that he still does not know if he was thrown or dragged, but he ended up nearly 100 feet from the original accident site.
Berry was rushed to a local hospital’s ICU trauma unit, where he spent the next seven weeks undergoing 25 surgeries before he even regained consciousness. His injuries were extensive — his left leg had to be amputated, his right leg was broken at the knee and his left arm was fractured. He also suffered severe internal injuries, including liver and kidney failure, a collapsed lung and broken ribs. He required dialysis until he was finally stable enough to leave the trauma unit.
Upon his discharge, it was clear that Berry would need to continue his recovery at an acute rehabilitation facility. His wife, who had been by his side every step of the way, had toured multiple facilities before finding Valley Health Specialty Hospital. After just one tour and a heartfelt conversation with the staff, she knew this was the right place for her husband.
From the moment he arrived at Valley Health Specialty Hospital, Berry knew he was in good hands. “The care from everyone was truly wonderful,” he said of his time at the hospital.
But recovery was not easy. On his second day, he found himself unable to get out of bed, having lost control of his arm. The therapy team had to use a mechanical lift to assist him. That moment became a turning point. “I never wanted to be in that position again,” he said. “I told myself I was going to become the hardest-working patient they had.”
Berry spent six weeks at Valley Health Specialty Hospital, where he dedicated himself to regaining his strength. The therapy team helped him adjust to life with his new prosthetic and provided him with invaluable tools to navigate his daily routine at home. “I’ve developed personal relationships with my therapy team, and they have given me the support I needed to walk again,” he said.
Berry continues his journey in outpatient therapy at Valley Health Specialty Hospital. His progress has been remarkable, and his determination remains unshaken. He is back to working full-time, traveling and his passion project—restoring a 1960 Corvette®—all thanks to Valley Health Specialty Hospital.