From Intensive Care to the Notre dame Campus: How LCMC Health Helped Enzo Foster Reclaim His Future
Enzo Foster’s dream of attending Notre Dame faced an unimaginable challenge following a serious spinal injury. However, thanks to the coordinated care provided by University Medical Center and Touro Rehabilitation Center – both part of LCMC Health – Enzo not only recovered but is now thriving as a freshman mechanical engineering student at his dream school.
The journey began with surgery at University Medical Center. Remarkably, Enzo’s pre-existing fitness level allowed him to begin rehabilitation less than two weeks post-operation, a pace described as “remarkable” by physiatrist Elyse C. Cleveland, MD. Dr.cleveland noted Enzo’s condition made him a strong candidate for early intervention.
Just two days after surgery, Enzo was able to sit up in bed – substantially faster than anticipated. This progress continued upon transfer to Touro Rehabilitation Center, where a multidisciplinary team, including board-certified physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and support staff, focused on restoring Enzo’s mobility. Key members of his team included inpatient physical therapist Abigail Wright, DPT, and occupational therapist Kayleigh Redd, OT.
At Touro, Enzo quickly regained function. He was able to sit in a motorized chair shortly after arrival, and with occupational therapy, he regained the ability to feed himself. Progress continued, ultimately leading to the return of movement in his arms, hands, and legs. Stacy Foster, Enzo’s mother, emphasized the positive and structured environment of the rehabilitation program, noting Enzo “never complained” and found the progression “fun.”
Three months after his initial surgery, a visit back to University Medical Center impressed staff who remembered Enzo arriving unable to move below his neck; he was now standing independently. On August 30th, Enzo walked out of Touro – unassisted. He utilized a walker at home for two weeks before transitioning to outpatient therapy three times a week.
Driven by his determination,Enzo continued to push boundaries. By fall 2024,he was playing the trumpet in his high school’s alumni band during homecoming – an activity he had been told he might never resume. He also attended the Senior Bowl, where he met Notre Dame quarterback Lincoln Riley, and cherishes the signed shirt as a symbol of his recovery.
Today, Enzo is pursuing his passion for mechanical engineering at Notre Dame, with plans to join the Society of Automotive Engineers and attend Fighting Irish games. he credits the personalized care he received at both LCMC Health facilities for his success.
“The care I received at both University Medical Center and Touro felt like personal care,” Enzo stated.”Every nurse met me with a smile,and the physical and occupational therapists pushed me every day to do my best and help me leave in the best condition possible. I don’t think if I went to any other hospital, I would have had the same results.”
Touro Rehabilitation Center offers comprehensive inpatient care with 24/7 medical support,utilizing advanced technologies like the LiteGait harness and Functional Electrical Stimulation. The center specializes in spinal cord injury, brain injury, and stroke rehabilitation, focusing on early, individualized recovery.
For more information about Touro Rehabilitation Center, visit: https://www.lcmchealth.org/touro/our-services/rehabilitation/
