Ten years after a chiropractic visit changed his life forever, the father of Jonathan Buckelew is opening up about what daily life looks like for his son today. In October 2015, then 24-year-old Jonathan became disoriented and unresponsive during an appointment and was rushed to a nearby hospital in Georgia. Sadly, doctors did not immediately realize that he had suffered a stroke, and after critical hours passed without proper treatment, Jonathan developed a rare condition known as locked-in syndrome.
Locked-in syndrome leaves a person fully conscious but unable to move or speak, except through small eye movements or blinking. Jonathan’s father, Jack, continues to help care for him alongside nurses who provide around-the-clock support. Despite the challenges, Jack says his son remains strong-willed and determined. “He wants to do things and go places,” Jack shared, adding that his resilience continues to inspire their family every day.
Reflecting on the early days after Jonathan’s illness, Jack expressed how difficult it was to accept what happened. “Treatments came too late,” he said, explaining that the family had to focus less on anger and more on creating the best possible life for Jonathan. Over the years, they have adapted their home, built a care team, and learned new ways to communicate through eye movements and special devices.
Now, as the family marks a decade since the incident, Jack continues to advocate for stroke awareness and better emergency responses. He believes that sharing Jonathan’s story can help others recognize symptoms early and seek immediate care. Through faith, family, and unwavering love, the Buckelews have found strength in each other — showing that hope and perseverance can shine even in life’s most difficult circumstances.