A Second Chance, One Year Later
Ramsey Uhter and members of the SIH Trauma team
One year after a devastating e-bike crash nearly took her life, 23-year-old Ramsey Uhter walked into the SIH Trauma and Critical Care Symposium with a surprise for the team that helped save her.
VIDEO: Watch the moment when Ramsey and her parents reunited with her caregivers and hear what her recovery means to the people who were there when she needed them most.
On Oct. 7, 2025, Ramsey was riding home from work when a truck struck her e-bike. Her injuries were so extensive that SIH trauma surgeon Andrew Kastello, MD, recalled being concerned that she might not survive the trauma bay. That’s when the team at the Level II Trauma Center at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale stabilized Ramsey, took her to surgery and began what would become a long journey toward recovery.
Her care extended far beyond any one physician or department. Dr. Kastello estimates well over 100 people were involved, including ICU nurses, other clinical staff and specialists in orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery.
Ramsey spent approximately a month at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale before transferring to Pennsylvania for rehabilitation closer to her parents, Patrick Uhter and Tammy Uhter. Her recovery included relearning fundamental skills such as eating and walking. Today, she is back at work at a Marion daycare, writing, participating in community theater and continuing her recovery.
Nearly a year later, Ramsey and her parents surprised members of her emergency department, trauma, intensive care and other care teams during the closing session of the SIH Trauma and Critical Care Symposium at Walker's Bluff Casino Resort. It was their first reunion with many of the people who cared for her after the crash.
For Ramsey, the message was simple:
“I don't really have any other words besides thank you. I appreciate all the time and care they put in.”
And perhaps Patrick Uhter captured the significance of her return best when he wrote to her caregivers: “There is no greater gift than a second chance at life, and you gave that to Ramsey.”