WEST BATH, Maine — The community is wrapping its arms around a West Bath toddler who was seriously injured in a car crash in June. Those injuries left 3-year-old Auggie Monsen paralyzed from the chest down.
The toddler recently returned to Maine with his family after spending six weeks at a rehabilitation hospital in Chicago. While the little boy faces a long road, loved ones are hopeful he can regain some abilities in the future.
Auggie loves dinosaurs and cars and playing with his dad, Kellen, and his dad's girlfriend, Tessa Alexander. The little boy is working on sitting up independently because he does not have feeling from the chest down.
Auggie suffered a T2 spinal cord injury, which affects the connection between the brain and legs, following a devastating crash in June.
"We are so lucky and blessed, because he is still here," Kellen said seriously.
According to the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's office, Chloe Monsen was driving north on Route 127 in Woolwich when her vehicle apparently veered across the northbound lane and left the road, hitting a stand of trees head-on. Monson is Auggie's mother, and she and Kellan share custody of their son. Authorities said bystanders pulled the toddler from the wreckage. Monsen was severely injured, but her injuries were not considered life-threatening.
After the little boy underwent surgery to relieve symptoms related to compression of the spinal cord, he was flown to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, a renowned facility for patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
"Six weeks of therapy every day except on Sundays," Kellen said.
Auggie underwent hours of physical, occupational, and aquatic therapy, plus electrical-stimulation or "e-stim" therapy, which uses mild electrical pulses to help repair injured muscles.
"His self-determination to be independent drove him to push through the pain," Kellen explained.
After 57 days in Chicago, Auggie returned to Maine over a week ago.
"We have seen a tremendous amount of growth, being able to do things and be a kid again," Kellen said with a smile.
Auggie will begin therapy treatment at home, working on his core and other motor abilities, but the family has not been alone on this challenging journey. They received care packages, letters, and well wishes from loved ones and strangers.
"That support got us through all of this," Kellen said.
The couple are both on leave from their jobs to be by Auggie's side. A GoFundMe is helping raise money to pay for equipment and other medical services not covered by insurance. Support and love that has helped bring a smile to Auggie's face as he faces a long road.
"The chances of him potentially walking down the line are something we strive for," Kellen said.