ORANGE PARK – Each year more than 214,000 people lose their lives to trauma related injuries, coming in at the second leading cause of death in ages 46 and younger. That’s one person every three minutes.

Orange Park Medical Center recently hosted an event to celebrate those that have beat the odds and survived traumatic injuries.

Trauma patients returned to the hospital to celebrate each other and those that helped them survive and recover from their traumatic injuries. The hospital’s annual event includes survivor speakers, the dedication of a new rose bush and bench by Customs and Border Control Agent and trauma survivor Drew Stokes, the opportunity for staff, survivors and their families to paint personal messages on rocks that will be placed around the new bush and bench and music played by trauma survivor Isaias Chalvisant.

Survivors included: John Taylor, a firefighter with Clay County Fire and Rescue, who was struck by a vehicle driven by other first responders at a bar; Gilberto Lopez, a motorcyclists who had his leg amputated after he was hit by a truck; Evelyn Silva, a 24-year-old woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car crash; U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent Drew Stokes, who was gunned down at an Orange Park grocery store; and Chalvisant, who suffered a head injury during a crash.

Stokes also helped dedicate a rose bush and bench to honor all trauma victims. The area was decorated by “dedication stones” created by the survivors with memories and encouragements for future patients.

Orange Park Medical Center has treated more 5,000 patients with traumatic injuries, which would not have been possible without local fire and rescue teams.