Today's Featured Biography

 
Dawn Kowalewski Burmester

Wendy Leu Payeur has written this for Dawn’s profile, since Dawn is unable. We thank Wendy for this!

Many of you may not know that Dawn (Kowalewski) Burmester was in a car accident. She is planning on attending the class reunion and we want everyone aware of what happened. Hopefully this will avoid questions and you'll feel more free to talk to her.

In January of 1996 - Dawn, her husband Jeff, and then 2 ½ year old Corbin, were driving home from Omaha after seeing Sesame Street Live. Near Waterloo, a wind gust blew a box/piece of cardboard onto their car. The family hit a patch of ice and slid into a utility pole. The first person on the scene knew Jeff but didn't recognize him due the his injuries. She did, however, recognize Corbin from a recent Christmas card and picture she received. She called in the accident stating Dawn was dead. The first paramedic on the scene revived her.

Dawn was sent to Methodist and the following 2 weeks were touch and go. She spent the next 3 months in a comma. She then spent 7 months at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln and 2 1/2 years at a rehab nursing home in Sioux City. She received excellent care there, improved dramatically, and was able to come "home" in June of 1999. "Home" being her husband Jeff's parents’ house. They customized their home with all the handicap features needed for Dawn to function and continue to rehabilitate. Michalla and Gary felt it was important that Dawn be able to see Corbin grow up. He is the twinkle in her eyes. Now 15 - Corbin is very gifted musically and athletically. Dawn is at his performances and games wearing a smile like every proud mom does.

Dawn is paralyzed on her right side and cannot eat or drink orally. Her communication is limited and she is not able to speak. But her memory is great. Often (when out in public) she will point at people she knows or teachers she previously had. She will most likely remember you. When you talk about the good old times with her, she will nod her head agreeing with you and letting you know she remembers them.

Please don't hesitate to approach her. She will welcome the sight of friends and enjoy listening to your memories and finding out what you've been up to.

If you have any additional questions that you want answered before the reunion, please contact Wendy Leu Payeur at [email protected].

QUICK FACT: After coming home - the first caregiver that came to help was our own AMY (MUELLER) JOHNSON. She spent 3-4 months with Dawn and assisting the family.

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