Loren Schauers was just 18 years old when a devastating forklift accident left him fighting for his life and permanently altered his future. Now, five years after the incident, Schauers is focusing on lifestyle changes that he hopes will help him live longer and more comfortably.
In 2018, Schauers was driving a forklift across a bridge when he suffered a catastrophic accident that resulted in a life-altering injury, leaving him cut in half. Despite the severe trauma, Schauers survived, but his journey to recovery has been challenging. With the support of his wife, Sabia Reiche, Loren has been sharing his experiences on their YouTube channel, where they document his daily life, medical struggles, and hopes for the future, according to the Daily Record.
Recently, Loren discussed plans to adopt healthier habits, including giving up smoking and incorporating more physical therapy into his routine. According to the Mirror, When asked by his viewers, “What would you change about yourself?” Loren candidly shared his desire to quit smoking. “I’d like to quit my smoking habit, obviously, because I’m mainly all lungs now,” he explained. “That way I could prolong my life longer than it’s already been shortened to, given my situation. I wish I could quit.”
In addition to improving his physical health, Loren expressed a wish to “be a better person too, in the way I treat and speak to people.” His wife Sabia has previously addressed questions about his life expectancy, noting that his case is incredibly rare. “There’s no clear answer,” she said, explaining that although some survivors in similar situations have lived up to 24 years post-accident, none had endured exactly what Loren has. “We’re hoping Loren has, you know, 40-plus years left with us. His case is so unique that it’s hard to pinpoint.”
Loren also shared that his pain has become more manageable, thanks to physical therapy and techniques learned through rehabilitation. “My pain is definitely more under control now, my health is a little wild and out of control,” he admitted. Despite their progress, Loren and Sabia’s daily lives have shifted dramatically since the accident. “Me and Sabia are doing great. We don’t get out much,” he said, recounting a recent memorable trip to Lollapalooza in Chicago. “She’s reading her books, I’m watching my TV shows…we’re just existing.”
While life may be different from what they once imagined, Loren and Sabia continue to find joy in the simple moments. Loren’s journey reflects both the resilience to adapt after tragedy and the hope for a healthier future, one step at a time.