Falling To Faith

On November 3, 1986, construction worker Stephen Orzel plummeted two stories in a fall, resulting in three skull fractures and a severe brain bleed. Early in his recovery, Stephen realized the fall caused short-term memory problems.

“I went through every possible emotion you can imagine,” Stephen said.

Stephen received inpatient care at Good Shepherd for two weeks. Then, he came back for outpatient re-training five, four, three, two and, gradually, one day per week for a year.

“It was the toughest year of my life,” Stephen said. “I asked God, why didn’t he let me die? But I remembered my father’s words: ‘Be strong and never give up.’”

In addition to his therapy at Good Shepherd, the support from his family, friends and strangers motivated Stephen.

“When I was angry, I didn’t realize that my life is not about me, but about the people around me,” Stephen said.

Stephen’s care team told him he would be lucky to reach 90% of his pre-accident capacity. In 2019, he graduated from DeSales University and today, he continues to defy the odds.

“No matter now difficult things may seem, never give up on yourself and have faith in your abilities, family, friends and even strangers willing to give you a helping hand,” Stephen said. “Most of all, keep your faith in God. Be strong and never give up.”

This story appears in the Fall 2025 issue of Sweet Charity, a Good Shepherd publication.