Madison Schemitz: Her Recovery Journey as a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor

Madison’s story is a powerful testament of hope, resilience and triumph over adversity. Less than a year after being left paralyzed from the chest down from a spinal cord injury due to a brutal attack, Madison walked across the stage at her high school graduation to accept her diploma, an achievement she once thought would be impossible.

Madison was the victim of a violent attack June 2023 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Her ex-boyfriend approached Madison, her mother and her friends and stabbed Madison multiple times. During the attack, he also greatly injured her mother and a bystander who tried to help.

Despite her life-changing injuries, Madison has shown immense resilience through extensive surgeries and physical rehabilitation at Brooks Rehabilitation, making a remarkable recovery.

Named Brooks’ “Rehab Champion” in 2024

In 2024 Madison was named Brooks Rehabilitation’s Rehab Champion, a tradition at Brooks for more than 30 years. Rehab Champions at Brooks get the opportunity to share their story of hope and healing to help inspire others.

Life after initial recovery

Now a sophomore in college, Madison is pursuing a degree in criminal justice with a minor in social welfare. Beyond her studies, she’s become an advocate against domestic abuse, partnering with the One Love Foundation and inspiring countless others as a motivational speaker. She also continues outpatient therapy at Brooks Rehabilitation to help build strength.

Providing hope and healing for the future

At Brooks Rehabilitation, patients can find specialized programs to help them achieve their highest level of recovery possible. Through a complete system of care and an interdisciplinary therapy program, patients and caregivers can find the wraparound support and care needed after a traumatic injury or illness. Learn more about our spinal cord injury rehabilitation program.