From Coma to Comeback: Edmonton Teen's Inspiring Recovery Journey
Chase Delorme-Rowan reflects on the past year with a perspective few can imagine. "A year ago, I couldn't talk or walk. I couldn't even stand... do simple things in life. Every day I'm just proud of how far I've come," says the Edmonton teenager who has been rebuilding his existence after a life-altering incident during what was supposed to be a celebratory family vacation.
The Night That Changed Everything
Delorme-Rowan's memories of the attack remain fragmented. "I was out at a nightclub with my brothers and we went outside for a smoke, and I came back in alone, and everything just went black," he recalls of the January 14, 2025 incident in the Dominican Republic. "Next thing you know, I wake up in the U of A hospital. I was so confused. Why am I back in Edmonton? Even after the first few weeks after I woke up, I don't really remember... it was just a haze."
The violent assault left the then-18-year-old with catastrophic injuries. His skull was cracked from forehead to neck, requiring emergency surgery in the Dominican Republic where doctors removed a blood clot the size of a grapefruit and part of his skull. After multiple weeks in hospital abroad, he was medically transported back to Edmonton to continue his recovery journey.
The Long Road to Recovery
Since returning home in March 2025, Delorme-Rowan has faced what he describes as "a long road filled with twists and turns." His rehabilitation has required relearning fundamental life skills that most take for granted.
- He has had to learn to stand, walk, and talk again
- Normal breathing patterns required retraining
- He still lacks full use of his left arm due to the injuries
- He developed epilepsy following the attack
- Doctors believe he has developed functional neurological disorder
The neurological condition causes uncontrolled shakes and hallucinations. "In these moments, I see rainbow spirals, and then I get piercing headaches," Delorme-Rowan explains. Medical teams continue working toward proper diagnosis and management of these complex symptoms.
Daily Challenges and Determination
The reality of his new existence weighs heavily on the young man. "It's felt like my life has been taken away from me. I can't do a lot of things anymore. It's been stressful," he shares. "Every day I wake up, and if I don't take my pills, I could die. If I fall and hit my head, I could die."
Despite these sobering realities, Delorme-Rowan maintains remarkable resilience. "Through all of this, I'm determined to show how strong I am," he states with conviction. His focus remains on the positive progress he has made, celebrating each milestone in a recovery that doctors initially weren't sure he would survive.
Medical Progress and Future Outlook
Through countless therapy sessions, medical professionals have successfully retrained his brain's fundamental functions. The current focus has shifted to building cognitive conditioning and managing the complex neurological symptoms that have emerged.
Delorme-Rowan's journey represents both the devastating impact of traumatic brain injury and the extraordinary human capacity for recovery. His story continues to unfold as he navigates the ongoing challenges of his rehabilitation while maintaining hope for continued progress in the years ahead.
