patient story

patient name: Tatum Kershner

age: 15 years old

seen in: emergency department

Tatum Kershner, an adventurous and active teen, loves sports like lacrosse and soccer. But one day, her love for adventure nearly turned tragic.

In April 2023, Lori and Chris Kershner were an hour away from home, cheering on their older daughter, Morgan, at a basketball game. Then came the call no parent wants to receive: their youngest, Tatum, had been in an ATV accident and was being rushed to Dayton Children’s Hospital.

“All I knew was that Tatum had been in an accident, was seriously hurt, and we needed to get to Dayton Children’s,” Lori shared., “It was the worst phone call that a parent can ever receive.”

Tatum had been riding ATVs with friends on a family farm, something she had done many times. She was always careful and always wore a helmet. But this time, while racing on a steep decline, Tatum braked hard to avoid rocks at the bottom and was thrown from the ATV, flying over the handlebars and landing hard on her head and back.

“Luckily, I was wearing my helmet; it saved my life,” Tatum said. “I remember thinking I have so many grandparents in heaven watching over me, so I knew I’d be okay.”

level 1 pediatric trauma care

Tatum was brought to Dayton Children’s Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center by way of the mobile intensive care unit transport team. Dayton Children’s mobile intensive care unit is staffed with pediatric experts who provide the specialized care needed to transport critically ill and injured children safely and rapidly.

Remembering the drive back to Dayton, Lori shared, “The drive was awful, not knowing anything. When I got a message from Dayton Children’s MyChart saying Tatum had checked in, it was a relief to know she was there.” When the Kershner’s pulled into Dayton Children’s, Lori frantically ran into the hospital looking for Tatum. 

"It felt like a scene from a medical drama. I was that frantic parent, and now I truly understand. The moment we walked in, Tatum looked at us and said, ‘Hi, Mom and Dad. I didn’t even cry.’ It was such a huge sigh of relief. Seeing her talk and move her arms and legs reassured me that no matter her injuries, Dayton Children’s would take care of her, and she was going to be okay.”

Tatum had suffered a deep cut on her back, fractures of her spine and pelvis, and even had concrete shards embedded in her skin. She underwent surgery and received extensive care from the hospital team. Her deep cut required stitches internally and externally, plus a tube for drainage.

“My care team was amazing. I felt completely surrounded by support,” Tatum recalls. One of her favorite memories was Peppermint, one of the facility dogs at Dayton Children’s, visiting to help comfort Tatum by lying in bed with her. It reminded her of home and her dogs that she was missing dearly. Tatum was grateful for little comforts like that during this scary time.

After four days in the hospital recovering from surgery and healing from her injuries, Tatum was able to go home. She would continue her treatment in the wound care clinic for her drainage tub and begin physical therapy.

building bonds through care

In the wound care clinic, Tatum met her wound care provider, Amy. Amy Kosanovich, MS, RN, CPNP-PC, is a nurse practitioner in pediatric surgery that cares for surgical patients before and after surgery.

Tatum shared she connected with Amy on so many levels, discussing everyday life and making her feel comfortable. “She never made me feel embarrassed about my injuries and talked to me like a friend,” Tatum said, “Every time I saw Amy she was always smiling and would talk about the next steps and how we were going to get there.” They even talked next steps for Tatum’s future when Tatum shared her goal to be a nurse. Amy shared her experience at the University of Tennessee and it inspired Tatum to visit. She loved it and it’s now her top choice for college!

The Kershners were grateful for Amy, with her above and beyond care, Tatum healed quickly and returned to school 6 weeks later. “Amy was remarkable,” Lori said. “I’m forever grateful to Dayton Children’s for providing the best care to our children.”

returning to what matters most

Tatum’s ATV accident cut her lacrosse season short and that was tough for her. Tatum shared with her physical therapist, Brian, that returning to her lacrosse and soccer in the next season mattered most to her. With her determination and support, she strengthened her muscles and returned to the field six months later!

Although the journey wasn’t without its challenges along the way, Chris and Lori shared, "Healing and building her strength didn't happen as fast as a 14-year-old would like, but as parents, we knew it would all come with time."

“I am truly grateful for the support around me. Everyone at Dayton Children’s kept my hopes up and were upbeat, which made all the difference,” Tatum said. “Everyone had a positive attitude which made me have a positive attitude.”

Today, Tatum is entering her freshman year at Springboro High School, remaining active in sports. She also enjoys wakeboarding, knee boarding, and tubing at the family’s vacation home.

the impact of injury prevention

Every year approximately 700 kids get hurt and visit Dayton Children’s emergency department with injuries from ATV’s, bikes, scooters, skateboards and other wheeled activities – most not wearing a helmet. Accidents happen, but teaching kids how to prevent injuries, like wearing a helmet, is key!

Chris and Lori want their kids to have fun, but to be smart! Tatum’s story could have been very different if she was not wearing her helmet. The surgeon and emergency responders shared with them how strong of an impact the helmet took – the back of the helmet was cracked.

As a certified Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, parents can rely on Dayton Children's to provide the best care for their child, even in the toughest circumstances! Tatum was able to receive care that was just right for her.

“I don’t know where I’d be without Dayton Children’s. It’s comforting to know that I have the support and care close to home,” Tatum said. “Because of my active lifestyle, I have visited Dayton Children’s outpatient services before and I’m sure I’ll be there again! It’s nice to know that they’ll be ready to care for me no matter what my needs or injuries are.”

Lori echoed her daughter’s sentiments. “Supporting Dayton Children’s is an investment in our kids and community. We’re so grateful Tatum is still with us. Thank you to the amazing experts and support system at Dayton Children’s for everything.”

Learn more about injury prevention at Dayton Children’s.
injury prevention

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