Paying it Forward a Step at a Time

There’s no doubt that in the course of all our lives we will experience magnificent highs and world-shattering lows. But when we find ourselves in the bottom of those valleys, our ability to climb upward is what makes us stronger.

However, it’s what we do with our lives after we ascend a mountainous challenge that can truly make a difference.

Over the past several years 1980 Menomonee Falls East graduate Scott Olejniczak has been through the metaphorical valley and scaled the summit. He’s been paying it forward ever since.

Five years ago, Olejniczak was working at a home construction site and fell 15 feet from a balcony. He shattered both of his legs and right wrist, and was in and out of the hospital for over a year. Doctors performed 25 surgeries on his legs, but his right leg soon became infected.

Though he and doctors did all they could to save his right leg, it was ultimately amputated to prevent the infection from spreading.

“You go through all five phases of grieving. You’re positive for a while. I was totally convinced I would beat this, but every time I thought I had it licked it would pop up again,” Olejniczak said. “This whole experience was totally humbling. I was a guy that was completely independent and didn’t rely on anyone else. But I soon learned you need family and friends to get through things like this.”

The road to recovery was long with strenuous rehabilitation, and months on a hospital bed in the home. It was difficult for a man who worked as a carpenter and project manager, and was a natural leader as the oldest of four siblings. He battled doubt and depression during the most difficult periods.

“My wife, Chris, is a saint. We’ve been married for 32 years, and she was really my saving grace through this,” he said. “I also had a great circle of friends that stepped up to the plate for me.”

Paying it Forward

But Olejniczak fully recovered and has since been fitted with a top-of-the-line bionic prosthetic that accurately simulates the human step. But now, Olejniczak is reliving the difficult circumstances surrounding amputation with other patients who are about to go through the same journey.

Olejniczak has mentored several patients on the cusp of having a limb amputated. He started connecting with patients through Froedtert Health, and has helped ease their doubts and fears as they make a very difficult decision.

“I’ve always been an advocate of paying it forward and helping people out. If you can do something to help someone that really needs a hand, in return they may help you out as well,” Olejniczak said.

Olejniczak doesn’t have any magic words for patients. He simply tells them what they can expect moving forward, challenges they will encounter, and a few encouraging words. He’s proof that life returns to normal after the storm, and that may be the most impacting impression he leaves on others.

He plans to undergo more formal training through Froedtert to continue speaking with other potential amputees. He’s gotten involved with Empowering Amputees, which is a community-building website where amputees can network and organize events.

“Your life changes completely. The simplest things like staying at a hotel and figuring out how you will get around are considered,” Olejniczak said. “There are daily challenges that you have to deal with. I think it would have been an easier process for me if someone like myself was there to talk me through things." 

In addition to mentoring patients, Olejniczak also works closely with Froedtert Health and Marquette University to help advance prosthetic technology. He’s participated in a number of studies to help develop better and stronger prosthetics for others.

“I’ve always been intrigued by prosthetic technology industry and the advances they are making,” Olejniczak said.

So as the years go on, Olejniczak plans to continue mentoring more patients and easing their fears. His own life has also returned to normal. He’s found a job he enjoys, and posted his best month on record as a realtor with First Weber last month.

“My main goal was to get back to a good quality of life,” Olejniczak said. 

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