Steve Wise, a 70-year-old retiree from Dallas, Texas, found himself in Valdosta volunteering with the Minuteman Disaster Response team following Hurricane Helene. Steve joined the organization in 2017, dedicating his time to disaster response and cleanup efforts, helping communities recover from hurricanes and tornadoes. As part of the volunteer group based in McKinney, Texas, Steve was proud to serve as part of a team whose mission is to provide assistance in the immediate aftermath of a disaster through the deployment of highly trained and equipped volunteers.
Steve describes the volunteer work as being “the hands and feet of Christ,” providing hands-on assistance to those in need. He was one of a large group of volunteers from the organization, who set up a base camp in the Lowe’s parking lot following the storm. Each volunteer goes through extensive safety training and is provided all necessary personal protective equipment to assist with disaster cleanup.
On October 9, 2024, Steve’s volunteer work took a sudden and dangerous turn. While working as a spotter for a team cutting down a tree at a two-story house in Dasher, GA, the tree unexpectedly shifted. Before Steve could react, it fell and struck him on his right side, causing severe injuries. The impact shattered his clavicle and scapula, fractured several ribs, and damaged his spine.
SGMC Health EMS was first on the scene of the accident and quickly transported Steve to SGMC Health Main, a Level III Trauma Center.
Upon arrival at the Emergency Room, his condition was critical. He couldn’t breathe due to the severity of his rib fractures, so General Surgeon Jared Sanders, MD, and Emergency Room Physician Bradley Kinney, MD, intubated him. He was then moved to the ICU and into surgery, where Cardiothoracic Surgeons Joe Johnson, MD, and Patrick Murrah, MD, stabilized his chest, placing plates to repair his ribcage.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Steve remained humble and focused on his mission. When retelling his story, he stated, “This is not about me. This is about Him,” reflecting his deep faith and commitment to serving others. For Steve, the accident wasn’t the story—his real passion was the work being done to help those affected by the hurricane. He has always believed in the importance of stepping up when others are in need, and this experience has only reinforced his dedication to that cause.
Throughout his stay at SGMC Health, Steve received exceptional care. He expressed deep gratitude for the doctors, nurses, and staff, who he said provided not only top-notch medical attention but also genuine kindness and support. Steve spoke of how the SGMC Health team treated him like family, ensuring he felt comfortable and cared for during his recovery.
One member of his care team, physical therapist Karishma Patel, stood out as a bright spot in his healing journey. Steve described her as an absolute delight, always pushing him to go further than he thought possible, while offering encouragement every step of the way.
Steve has been married to his wife Linda for 34 years, and together they have two adult daughters, both married to Air Force servicemen, and five grandchildren. His family’s love and support have been crucial as he recovers from his injuries, even sending him artwork from the grandchildren to hang up in his hospital room.
On October 24, SGMC Health celebrated Steve’s transfer back home to Texas. There, he will undergo further physical and occupational therapy at Baylor Scott & White Health for continued rehabilitation. While he will wear a back brace as his spine heals, Steve remains hopeful that he will continue to be involved with Minuteman Disaster Response, though in a different, less physically demanding capacity.
For Steve Wise, the road to recovery has been a humbling experience, but his focus remains on his calling to help those in need. His time at SGMC Health, marked by outstanding care and compassion, has been a “true blessing,” but his heart remains with the volunteer efforts he holds so dear.
Watch the video below to see SGMC Health’s Patient Discharge Celebration for Steve Wise: