For Kerri Millhollin and David Rivera, life took an unimaginable turn after traumatic injuries nearly claimed their futures. Today, both stand tall not just as survivors—but as symbols of strength, resilience, and the power of community healing.

On Friday, May 30, Harris Health System, in partnership with the Harris County Hospital District Foundation, will honor these brave individuals at the annual Trauma Survivors Celebration, hosted at the elegant Hotel ZaZa in Houston’s Museum District. Coinciding with the close of National Trauma Awareness Month, the uplifting event serves as a reunion between survivors and the extraordinary caregivers who helped save their lives at Ben Taub Hospital and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, Harris County’s premier trauma centers.

Defying the Odds: Kerri Millhollin’s Journey

Earlier this year, Kerri Millhollin’s life changed in an instant. A catastrophic car crash on a Houston highway violently ejected her from her vehicle after a secondary collision. She was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital with devastating injuries: a severe scalp degloving, fractured ribs, and traumatic hand amputation. Doctors performed 10 complex surgeries over her 40-day stay.

“I only remember the sound of scraping metal,” Millhollin recalls. “I lost three weeks of memory—and even forgot my boyfriend who was with me through it all.”

Today, thanks to a relentless spirit, a dedicated medical team, and unwavering family support, she continues to defy expectations, embracing recovery one day at a time.

 David Rivera/Harris Health
 

A New Perspective: David Rivera’s Story of Strength

In 2023, David Rivera, an oil rig pipe fitter, was house-hunting with his wife when their vehicle was T-boned in a harrowing crash. Rivera sustained multiple rib fractures, a broken sternum, and internal injuries—complicated by a rare condition that makes his bones brittle. After emergency care at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, he returned home to heal, determined to reclaim his independence.

But his journey didn’t end there. A stroke months later left him partially paralyzed, a stark warning linked to untreated high blood pressure.

“I used to live to work. That stroke forced me to slow down and prioritize my family,” Rivera says. “Now, I cherish every moment with my grandkids. My advice? Don’t wait until your body breaks—slow down and live.”

A Celebration of Healing and Humanity

The 2025 Trauma Survivors Celebration is more than just an event—it’s a testament to the life-saving care offered by Harris Health System and the courage of individuals who faced life-threatening injuries and emerged stronger. This annual gathering fosters emotional healing, builds community, and offers hope to others navigating their own recovery.

📅 WHEN: Friday, May 30, 2025 | 6–8 PM
📍 WHERE: Hotel ZaZa – Museum District, 5701 Main St., Houston, TX 77005
🔗 View Location on Google Maps