Ossian resident Mark Zweibohmer makes great strides after his spinal cord injury

Montanah, Alyssa, Adrianna, Mark and Annette Zweibohmer

Last October, Ossian resident Mark Zweibohmer was injured while cutting firewood. He sustained several broken ribs, vertebrae, a punctured lung and a spinal cord injury. He was airlifted to Rochester, where surgery was performed to remove the crushed vertebrae around his spinal cord. The next day Mark was told he'd never walk again and had no feeling from his waist down.

While Mark was in the hospital recovering, he thought of ways to help him stay independent. Since he couldn't drive a car, he thought his riding lawn mower could be a means of transportation. He had a handle attached to operate the mower with hand controls instead of using his feet.

In November, three weeks after the accident, Mark returned home to Ossian. He had several adjustments to make to his daily life. Friends and family offered to assist in any way they could. Mark's daughters helped their dad put on his shoes each day.  Mark was able to drive himself to physical therapy appointments on his modified lawn mower. He appreciated the people who cleaned the snow off the seat on his lawn mower on snowy days while he was in the clinic, so he could have a dry seat on the ride home.

As of February Mark still has no feeling in his feet and nerve pain in his legs. He is able to walk on his own with a cane, after being told he wouldn't walk again. He is gaining upper strength and flexibility. Rehab for Mark includes riding a stationary bike, a lot of walking and physical therapy two times a week in Ossian. He tells decorahnews.com he really looks forward to his weekly massages. He has been cleared to drive and has learned to use his legs to control the foot pedals.

Mark's goal is to be back at work this April. He is a foreman with Doug Egeland Tiling. He runs a crew of four men, driving the tile plow, helping farmers dry out their fields to get better yields on crops.

Saturday, February 25th there will be a "We've got your BACK" benefit at the Wild Woods Event Center in Ossian. Mike Reicks chicken will be served as a free will donation meal from 5:00 p.m.--7:00 p.m. Carry outs will be available. Live auction will begin at 7:30 p.m.

To make donations or volunteer for the benefit contact Mary Lou Egeland at 563-419-1301.

For more information go to the Mark Zweibohmer benefit on Facebook.