Shearer Determination

In November of 2017, Mike Shearer was admitted to the ICU at Methodist Hospital in Omaha with pneumonia and complications from diabetes.

The following evening, Mike suffered a significant stroke and was rushed to Nebraska Medicine where he underwent a risky and life-saving craniectomy.. This procedure involved removing a large section of Mike's skull as well as a significant amount of brain tissue. 

In addition to the complications from the stroke, Mike's heart became infected and required damaged heart valves to be removed and replaced with prosthetic ones. 

One day after open heart surgery, Mike's body became extremely septic and he nearly lost his life.

Amazingly, Mike weathered all storms.

After receiving acute rehab at Madonna hospital in Lincoln Nebraska, Mike was admitted to QLI for rehabilitation in February of 2018.

QLI capitalized on Mike's passions, values and motivators to create a highly personalized program  for Mike and his family.

On May 17th, 2018, Mike finally returned home to be with his wife and three children. 

I had the incredible honor of documenting Mike Shearer and his inspirational family for a story for QLI. With Mike's determination combined with the spirit and energy of his wife, Denise, and their children, The Shearers are charting a course for a re-defined life; one with purpose, grace, hope and faith. 

I combined my photographs with ambient sound and interviews to create the video imbedded below. 

Mike plays the piano during a melodic intonation therapy session.

Mike’s stroke occurred on the left hemisphere of his brain and resulted in aphasia-the difficulty in understanding and expressing speech.

As part of his therapy at QLI, Mike used functional physical and speech therapy skills to host a family pool party. Here, Mike is shown with his son Rhett.

Mike’s wife Denise was a source of incredible strength and stability throughout Mike’s recovery.

Mike with his youngest daughter, Lauren.

Despite his wife being told Mike would never speak or walk agin, Mike defied the odds.

Mike’s ability to stand and walk improved drastically.

Mike works to regain movement and function in his right upper extremities.

Mike works on functional life skills at a local grocery store.

Mike with his speech and language pathologist during a session at QLI.

Mike’s daughter Lauren was able to spend a significant amount of time with Mike while his other children where in school.

Lauren joins Mike during a music therapy session.

Throughout Mike’s recovery, Denise and Mike lived at Denise’s parents’ house. Here Mike plays with his oldest daughter, Kate.

Above all, Mike values being a father and a husband.

Visits to the house were a vital part of Mike’s program at QLI in order to prepare Mike for moving home.

Mike and his children enjoying a movie during a weekend home visit.

Evening prayers before bed.

Mike and his family demonstrate the “Shearer Strong” pose.

This diptych incorporates edited iPhone photos Mike’s wife Denise’s shot in the hospital paired with images I took during Mike’s stay at QLI.

This diptych incorporates edited iPhone photos Mike’s wife Denise’s shot in the hospital paired with images I took during Mike’s stay at QLI.

This diptych incorporates edited iPhone photos Mike’s wife Denise’s shot in the hospital paired with images I took during Mike’s stay at QLI.