Overcoming obstacles

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Inspiration can be born in times of tragedy, as is the case with one St. John resident.

An accident in July 2017 left David Hannus, 57, with a long road of recovery ahead of him. His drive wouldn't let any obstacles stand in his way though.

On July 22, Hannus celebrated his success in recovery by running the "Muddy Dash" obstacle course race at Qlispe Raceway.

Hannus was working as a contractor on a $2 million Fife mall remodel at the time of his accident, when he was tasked to take apart some conduit.

"I went over to work on taking it apart," Hannus said. "Unfortunately, there was still power running to the conduit and I was electrocuted."

The shock was so powerful according to his wife of 28 years, Helenee, that his arm and shoulder were broken into 25 pieces.

Since then, Hannus has undergone four surgeries and eventually had an artificial shoulder installed.

One of the toughest parts for him was to be able to let go of work, because building and constructing things were always his happy place. He said he enjoyed the creative aspect of the job.

"When you love going to your job," he said. "You don't really feel like you're going to work."

During his initial recovery another major health scare set him back, and eventually he would be medically retired from doing construction work. It just wasn't possible anymore.

Hannus also had a major stroke nearly three years ago, and he lost use of the right side of his body. He was also unable to speak for some time after that. After being released from the hospital, he had a second stroke, but it wasn't quite as big as the first.

Helenee said that period of time was extremely hard for the family as well.

As his wife, she was heartbroken to see him in such a state of pain, both mentally and physically.

He fought through bouts of depression, anger, disappointment, and many other emotions. His wife said they had to make a lot of adjustments within the family and the home as well.

He has lived with a lack of blood flow to one side of his brain, and he also still has a blood clot in the right side of his brain.

According to Helenee, that is why he has driven himself to stay physically active, because it helps the blood flow in his brain.

"He also inspires other people to stay active as well," she said. "He has helped his brother lose over 40 pounds."

She said her husband has also refocused his efforts on barbecuing.

"I'm not a cook," David Hannus said. "I'm a pit master. I barbecue and I smoke meat for the fun, and to feed people."

He has taken this culinary passion a step further and makes salsas and sauces for smoking meat.

So, now he can inspire others through his food, as well.

Hannus said his mother instilled that work ethic in him, and she inspired him to do his best every day.

His mother also taught him to help people when he can, and that's why he hopes to help and inspire others who have had serious injuries or strokes.

"A lot of people lose hope when they get hurt like that," Hannus said. "They lose their place, but it's important for them to realize there are other things out there. Don't give up because you can always find inspiration and hope in other parts of life."