Hockey Star Becomes
“One In A Million” Patient
(L-r): Weller, Warren, Exter and Ajl enjoy a reunion

Sometimes patients defy such overwhelming odds they remain on the minds of staff long after leaving BIDMC. Joe Exter has been unforgettable.

“He’s our miracle!” exclaimed Farr 5 Case Manager Helen Burton, R.N., seeing Exter during his recent visit to thank BIDMC staff involved in his amazing recovery.

Exter’s nationally publicized journey began on March 7, 2003, during a college playoff game. A goalie for Merrimack College, then 24-year-old Exter raced for a puck and collided with an opposing player. His helmet became dislodged and he crashed to the ice, fracturing his skull in two places. As he lay unconscious, paramedics worked feverishly to insert a breathing tube and transport him to BIDMC.

Neurosurgeon Simcha Weller, M.D., director of BIDMC’s Neurosurgical Spinal Disorders Program, ordered a computed tomography (CT) scan that confirmed potentially life-threatening bleeding and swelling in Exter’s brain. Even if he pulled through, Weller knew the young star might never realize his dream of playing professional hockey.

While the news devastated Exter’s family, they believed in Weller — and in BIDMC. “I felt so confident that Joe was getting the best care,” says his mother, Donna.

Weller and his team drained cerebrospinal fluid from Exter’s brain, then put Exter in a medication-induced coma to help his brain heal. Exter remembers nothing of BIDMC’s trauma SICU — but his mother recalls, “The ICU nurses were the best!” Victoria Gogan, R.N., B.S.N.; Luci Lima, R.N., B.S.N.; Pauline MacDonald, R.N., B.S.N.; and Wendy McHugh, R.N., M.S. were among those who cared for Exter.

Ten days into his stay, Exter opened his eyes and asked for water. He had no idea where he was.
Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Leslie Ajl, R.N., worked with Exter as he regained consciousness. She says, “From the moment he started waking up, Joe let us know that he was going to do whatever he could to get better. But even we are amazed at how far he’s come.”

Exter continued his recovery on Farr 5, cared for by a team that included Bonnie Levenson, R.N.; Terry Barden, R.N.; Joyce Scally, N.P.; case manager Rachelle Chenard, R.N., M.B.A., C.C.M.; Burton; and patient care technician Katie Warren. In three weeks, Exter left BIDMC on his own two feet, astounding all.
In re-learning speech, balance and other skills, Exter again defied expectations. A projected six-month stay at Spaulding Rehabilitation Center lasted only eight days — and three months later, Exter was skating again.

“He’s a one-in-a-million patient,” says Weller, who continued to see Exter following his discharge. Exter signed on as a goaltender for the Wheeling Nailers, the Penguins’ East Coast Hockey League affiliate, scoring his first professional win 11 months to the day of his accident. He starts Penguins training camp next fall, with a promising career ahead.

“Seeing the injury and where I am today, no one can believe it,” he says, “but thanks to my medical team at BIDMC, I’m here.”

— Valerie Hope Goldstein