Who is Nick Lanners?
Nick Lanners is a fascinating man recognized for his unwavering work ethic and multi-faceted roles in all areas of life. Not only is Lanners a dedicated husband and father of two, he also serves as a lieutenant at the St. Cloud Penitentiary. This role reflects his commitment and responsibility as he plays an integral role in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of staff and prisoners.
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In addition to his work in law enforcement, Lanners also has a unique passion for agriculture. He raised beef cattle and chickens, demonstrating his agricultural practices.
This pursuit reflects his connection to the land and his dedication to a self-sufficient lifestyle. Additionally, Lanners’ passion for sports and desire to inspire and mentor young athletes is reflected in his role as assistant coach for the Melton High School football team.
His commitment to coaching and shaping the next generation is evident through his role on the coaching staff. At his core, Nick Lanners embodies the essence of hard work and diverse interests. His ability to balance multiple responsibilities is truly admirable and his dedication to family, career, farming and coaching is a testament to his character and the values he holds dear.
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Nick Lanners accident
Coach Nick Lanners, from Melton, suffered life-changing injuries following a tragic car accident in July. While he was sitting at a traffic light, his vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle traveling at high speed. The impact of the collision left Lanners paralyzed from the chest down. After the accident, Lanners went through a long and intensive recovery process in Minneapolis.
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He initially spent 56 days in the ICU and neurological unit at St. Cloud Hospital, where medical professionals worked to treat his severely broken back. Specifically, Lanners fractured his C5 vertebrae and required emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his spinal cord. Despite the enormous challenges he faced, Lanners showed remarkable strength and determination during his recovery.
He committed himself to intensive therapy sessions designed to restore his physical abilities and adapt to his new environment. In light of the difficulties faced by the Lanner family, the community rallied to support them. During the game, donation boxes were set up at the concession stand and a 50/50 raffle was organized.
All proceeds generated from these initiatives are donated to the Lanner family to provide them with financial assistance during this difficult time. Nick Lanners and his wife have two young children, both under 10 years old. The support and generosity shown by the community has undoubtedly played a vital role in helping the family cope with the challenges of their new reality.
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What happened to Nick Lanners?
Nick Lanners was involved in a serious car accident on his way to work on Wednesday, July 13, an event that changed his life. While he was stopped at a stop sign, his vehicle rear-ended him at high speed, causing severe damage and injuries. After the accident, two people who happened to be paramedics approached Nick’s vehicle and immediately took action to stabilize his neck and keep his airway open, keeping him safe until emergency personnel arrived.
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Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Nick was quickly airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Upon arriving at the hospital, it was clear Nick had suffered serious injuries. He had little feeling in his arms and no feeling at all below his chest.
Remarkably, he retained the ability to communicate, breathe independently, and even exhibited limited shoulder movement (e.g., shrugging). A CT scan at hospital revealed Nick had suffered a severe fracture to his C5 spine, a critical area of the neck. To address the serious condition, he was rushed to the operating room where surgeons performed surgery to remove the damaged bone and relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
The surgery lasted several hours and was designed to stabilize the condition and provide the best chance of recovery. After surgery, Nick was moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) with his breathing tube still in place. Over the next few days, ICU staff worked to wean him off respiratory support, gradually reducing sedation and eventually removing the intubation.
However, due to trauma from the accident and swelling from surgery, the nerves responsible for controlling the diaphragm have not yet signaled to breathe independently.
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Nick Lanners Rehabilitation
Known for his strong work ethic, Nick Lanners embarked on a different kind of challenge – rehab and recovery. As a dedicated lieutenant at the St. Cloud Penitentiary, a farmer and an assistant coach for the Melton High School football team, Lanners has been known for his unwavering commitment and continued activity.
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However, Lanners has been at Courage Kenney Rehabilitation Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis for more than a month since a July 13 car accident left her with a C5 spinal fracture. The accident left him without feeling from the chest down, leaving him with the difficult task of regaining his strength and mobility.
As Nick’s wife, Heather Lanners, explains, recovery is a slow and arduous process. The central nervous system, responsible for sending motor and sensory signals, moves at a conscious pace. Currently, Nick, 35, is undergoing stimulation therapy as an integral part of his recovery journey. This therapy is designed to awaken damaged nerves and restore their function.
Shortly after surgery for his spinal cord injury, Nick experienced some sensation in his chest and arms, which gave him a glimmer of hope. While his biceps are still strong, the nerve damage left him with a lack of strength in his triceps. Despite these challenges, Heather maintains a positive attitude, and the nurses at Courage Kenny share her optimism. They anticipate that Nick will regain more mobility in his right wrist, an important milestone that will greatly aid his ability to operate a power wheelchair and independently perform various tasks such as transferring himself.
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Heather acknowledges that the nature of the spinal cord injury is still unknown and stresses that the recovery process may take a full year before significant progress is observed. Still, they noticed small improvements that inspired them to stay determined.
Nick Lanners’ recovery represents an extraordinary journey of strength and resilience. Guided by his unyielding work ethic, supported by a professional medical team, and surrounded by the unwavering love and encouragement of his family, he faced the challenges ahead with unwavering determination. As Nick continues to recover, his story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
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