Mega Doctor News
McALLEN, Texas – Traumatic accidents and injuries can strike without warning, forever changing lives in an instant and placing individuals and their families in unimaginable circumstances.
Each year, trauma accounts for more than 37 million emergency department visits and 2.6 million hospital admissions in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, underscoring the urgent need for prevention, timely care and compassionate, ongoing support for those facing the difficult journey toward healing.
“The journey to healing after trauma is often complex and deeply personal, extending far beyond physical recovery,” said Tony De Luna, Trauma Program Director, South Texas Health System (STHS) McAllen. “With the right care, compassionate support and a strong sense of community, patients can begin to rebuild, regain hope and rediscover their strength. That sense of connection, knowing you’re not alone, can make all the difference in helping survivors move forward and truly thrive.”
The Trauma Survivors Network, a national program of the American Trauma Society established in 2008, is dedicated to helping patients and families navigate life after serious injury. Through peer support, education, resources and support groups, the network creates a compassionate community where survivors can share their stories, find their voice and begin the healing process.
Check out the gallery below to see more photos from the celebration in McAllen. All images courtesy of STHS:
Today, the Trauma Survivors Network partners with nearly 300 trauma centers nationwide, including STHS McAllen’s Level I Trauma Center, providing a vital system of support, connection and care. Through this community, survivors and their loved ones are reminded they are not alone, finding strength in one another as they heal, rebuild and embrace new beginnings.
“For trauma survivors and their families, healing doesn’t end when they leave the hospital; it’s an ongoing journey that requires support, understanding and connection,” said De Luna. “The Trauma Survivors Network provides a lifeline to our community, offering patients and their loved ones the resources, encouragement and sense of belonging they need to navigate recovery, rebuild their lives and find hope in the face of adversity.”
In commemoration of National Trauma Survivors Day, observed each year on the third Wednesday in May, STHS McAllen hosted its inaugural “From Trauma to Triumph” celebration to honor individuals whose lives have been forever changed by traumatic injuries, as well as the dedicated caregivers who stood beside them every step of the way.
Held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the event featured the powerful story of Jean-Scott Bendiks, DC, a Harlingen chiropractor who was rushed to STHS McAllen’s Level I Trauma Center earlier this year after a sudden motorcycle accident left him with life-threatening injuries. What began as an ordinary day quickly turned into a fight for survival, one that would test his strength in ways he never imagined.
Now continuing his recovery through outpatient rehabilitation, Dr. Bendiks shared his deeply personal journey, including the physical, emotional and mental challenges he has faced and the resilience it has taken to rebuild his life. He also reflected on the critical role of the Trauma Survivors Network at STHS McAllen, whose support and sense of community have helped him heal not just physically, but emotionally, reminding him that even in the darkest moments, he was never alone.
“There were days when the pain felt overwhelming and the road ahead seemed uncertain, but the compassion, encouragement and unwavering support from my care team, my family and the Trauma Survivors Network gave me the strength to keep moving forward,” said Dr. Bendiks. “Knowing I wasn’t alone, that others cared and truly understood, made all the difference in my healing journey.”
Following his remarks, Dr. Bendiks experienced an emotional reunion with Ann Cantu, the emergency medical technician (EMT) with Lone Star Ambulance who was first on the scene and provided critical, life-saving care in the immediate aftermath of his accident.
Reuniting face-to-face, they shared a powerful moment of gratitude and reflection, one that underscored the profound impact of quick, compassionate care and the lasting bonds formed in life’s most critical moments.
“Meeting Ann again was incredibly emotional for me,” said Dr. Bendiks. “In that moment, I was able to thank the person who was there when I needed it most, the one who helped save my life. It’s something I’ll never forget, and it reminded me just how much heart, compassion and courage these first responders bring to every call.”
Dr. Bendiks received the STHS McAllen From Trauma to Triumph Award in appreciation of his courage, advocacy and the hope he continues to bring to trauma survivors across the Rio Grande Valley.
“His strength and resilience in the face of real adversity is truly inspiring, and he serves as a powerful reminder that even in life’s most difficult moments, healing and hope are possible,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “Through his courage and willingness to share his story, he’s helping others see that it’s possible to overcome trauma and move forward with hope, strength and resilience.”
Beyond remarks from Dr. Bendiks and a motivational address by STHS Behavioral Director of Utilization Review Bob Cooper on the importance of resilience in the face of trauma, the special celebration also featured the presentation of the STHS McAllen EMS TULIP (Trauma-Unique Leadership in Patient Care) Award. The award recognized Lone Star Ambulance, Med-Care EMS and Pharr EMS for their unwavering commitment to patient carewhile bringing calm to chaos, offering hope in moments of fear and providing a critical lifeline for individuals facing traumatic accidents and injuries.
The event also welcomed McAllen City Commissioner Tony Aguirre, who presented two special proclamations on behalf of the City of McAllen. One proclaimed May as Trauma Awareness Month, while the other formally recognized May 20 as Trauma Survivors Day. Both proclamations highlighted the lifesaving impact of STHS McAllen’s Level I Trauma Center and the vital role of its Trauma Survivors Network support group in helping patients and families heal, rebuild and move forward after traumatic injuries.
“We’re grateful to STHS McAllen for its unwavering commitment to providing our community with the highest level of trauma care, from the moment a patient arrives at its Level I Trauma Center to the continued support they receive through outpatient rehabilitation and beyond,” said Commissioner Aguirre. “Equally important is their dedication to injury prevention and education, helping protect lives before tragedy occurs and ensuring that individuals and families have the knowledge, resources and support they need every step of the way.”
To learn more about the Level I Trauma Center at STHS McAllen and its Trauma Survivors Network, visit the STHS website at sthsmcallen.com.
