Piano is key to man’s brain trauma recovery at Omaha treatment center
By Julie Cornell
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OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — Chris Nord is on a journey of recovery and healing at Omaha’s QLI through after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a fall. The Chicago man moved to Omaha more than a year ago after falling from a ladder while working in Chicago.
“When you almost die, future plans are not really that important right now,” Nord said he’s made tremendous progress after his injury.
“Pieces of the puzzle are still missing. It’s hard to remember certain things,” he said.
After leaving a Chicago trauma hospital, Nord moved to Omaha’s QLI, renowned for spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation, where he committed to intense physical and speech therapy.
Taya Tanner, his speech therapist, said, “If life does look a little differently after injury, your life can still be purposeful and meaningful.” She recognized Nord’s musical background and encouraged him to use music as a therapeutic tool to connect pathways in his brain and aid his recovery.
“Part of getting better from being severely injured was music. It really helped with my brain. I was pretty scrambled up,” Nord said.
Tanner praised Nord’s musical talent, saying, “I’ve never heard anyone play the piano so eloquently before.” She noted that playing music was both cognitively demanding and incredibly purposeful for Nord. Practicing twice a day, Nord sees notable improvements in many aspects of his life, with friends at QLI helping him find opportunities to play.
Reflecting on his progress, Nord shared a lighthearted moment with his brother, “I said I think my spelling has gotten worse. He said, you could never spell in the first place.”
Nord has expanded his music therapy to include playing for parties, gatherings and concerts. Recently, a friend from QLI connected him to a fundraiser at Shuck’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, where he joined the Crabby Blues Band for a vibrant musical set.
The audience clapped for Nord on the keyboard, with cheers of “Let’s go Chris” echoing through the room. Tanner described him as, “One of the most motivated people you’ll ever meet.”
Nord said there’s no therapy or treatment that can make you better unless you buy into and apply yourself. Despite his injury, Nord is learning to control life’s tempo, saying, “People can’t make you get better. You have to put a lot of effort into it.”
Chris Nord continues his recovery while living in the assisted living apartments at QLI, where he remains dedicated to his healing journey through music.
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