Tommy Walker

A motorcycle accident dealt Tommy Walker grim prospects in 2006. His brain swelled, he suffered a major stroke, surgeons had to remove part of his skull and brain. He had lost the use of every muscle. Physicians were unsure whether he would ever walk again. They seriously doubted he would be able to comprehend or read. But Walker was a miracle in the making. 

As of now, Walker's a newly minted TCC graduate with an Associate of Arts Degree and the winner of TCC's Graduate Story Contest. He plans to enroll at the University of North Texas. "I can't even begin telling you the support he has had from his teachers at TCC," said his mother, Dena Walker. "It has truly been amazing how they are so willing to help and guide Tommy on his way to success." 

That looked to be a dead-end path nearly four years ago. Walker was enrolled at the University of Oklahoma. He and his roommate had ridden their motorcycles on Nov. 25 from Norman to Stillwater where they saw OU defeat Oklahoma State University, 27-21. 

On their return trip along I-35, a pickup in front of Walker suddenly braked and turned to avoid colliding with a deer. Walker forced his motorcycle on its side to miss the truck. He was wearing a helmet and leather riding apparel, but he veered into the grass median. His head struck an object with such force that his brain was violently jarred, causing what physicians termed a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). 

At OU Medical Center, Walker underwent six weeks of grueling treatment, including 21 days in an induced coma before transfer to Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center in Oklahoma City. There, he fought a four-month battle to function independently again. His heroic efforts to relearn how to talk, walk, swallow, hold his head up, and more left staff deeply impressed. They honored Walker with the 2007 annual Jim Thorpe Courage Award. 

Walker returned to Fort Worth and daily therapy at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital. "His goal was always to return to school," his mother said. He enrolled at TCC in 2008. Many are celebrating Walker's graduation. It's proof, his mom said, "that with the help of caring individuals at TCC and lots of prayers," miracles happen. 

-- By David House 

Thomas Walker was selected as the winner of TCC's 2009-2010 Graduate Story Contest. As the winning graduate, his story and photo are featured on TCC's website and were displayed at graduation. He also received a graduate gift basket sponsored by the TCC Alumni Association. His mother, Dena, who submitted his story, received a gift basket of TCC memorabilia. 

Second place was awarded to graduate Lakisha Morgan and third place to graduate Onika Taylor. Both received a TCC gift basket and will also be featured in future TCC website highlights.