Texarkana Teen Honored for Recovery During Trauma Survivors Month

A Texarkana teen’s inspiring recovery from a life-threatening crash highlighted this year’s Trauma Survivors Ceremony hosted by CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System.

The event was held May 21, and recognized 17-year-old Shaun Van Kam, who was seriously injured in an October 2023 crash involving an 18-wheeler. Shaun was driving to school on a foggy morning, and was struck after stopping at an intersection in the Texarkana area.

Following the collision, he faced a long road to recovery that included time in intensive care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and relearning basic life skills.

During the ceremony, Shaun was reunited with emergency responders, doctors, and rehabilitation specialists who helped save his life. Shaun was presented with the “Spirit of a Survivor” award in honor of his determination and strength.

Lauren Jamison, trauma program manager at CHRISTUS St. Michael, recalled the emotional moment when Shaun arrived at the hospital, and how the medical team worked together to stabilize him. She praised his resilience, saying he overcame physical and emotional challenges that could have broken him.

Now back in school and regaining a normal routine, Shaun’s recovery is being celebrated during National Trauma Survivor Awareness Month, recognized each May. The CDC reports unintentional injuries, such as crashes, overdoses, and falls, are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44.

Shaun’s mother, Summer Van Kam, expressed gratitude to the medical team and community for their support, saying, “I don’t know where we’d be today if we hadn’t had that support.”