Loren Schauers, a Montana native, endured an unimaginable event in September 2019 that permanently changed his life in ways few could ever fathom. While working as a laborer, he suffered a catastrophic workplace accident—one so severe that survival seemed almost impossible.
The accident took place while Loren was operating a forklift on a bridge. In a moment of sheer misfortune, the vehicle veered off course, plunging over the edge of the bridge and sending Loren plummeting more than 50 feet to the ground. The massive industrial machine came crashing down on top of him, crushing his lower body completely and severely damaging one of his arms.
By some miracle, Loren survived the devastating impact. However, his injuries were so extreme that doctors had to make an urgent, life-altering decision to save him. What followed was one of the most complex and rare surgical procedures known to medicine—a hemicorporectomy, an operation that involves removing the entire lower half of the body.
Understanding Hemicorporectomy: A Rare and Drastic Life-Saving Surgery
A hemicorporectomy, also known as a trans-lumbar amputation, is an exceedingly rare medical procedure in which a patient’s body is surgically severed at the waist. This means that not only are both legs amputated, but the pelvis, pelvic organs, and external genitalia are also removed. In Loren’s case, his damaged arm also had to be amputated due to the extent of his injuries.
Faced with an impossible decision, Loren was given a choice—one that no one could ever be fully prepared to make. He later recalled the moment when doctors asked him:
“Do you want to live? Or do you want to die? Do you want to fight for the future with the body you have now, or would you rather leave this life as you were before the accident?”
Despite the overwhelming challenges ahead, Loren made the courageous decision to fight for his life.
Turning Unimaginable Tragedy Into Strength and Resilience
Most people in Loren’s situation might have succumbed to despair, but he refused to let his physical condition define him. Instead, he embraced his new reality and chose to inspire others with his journey.
Together with his wife, Sabia, Loren has been documenting his life post-accident on YouTube, where they have amassed over 639,000 subscribers. Their channel serves as an unfiltered and honest look into their daily lives, struggles, and triumphs, offering inspiration to countless people worldwide.
Despite his medical condition, Loren remains determined to experience life to the fullest. He and Sabia frequently discuss their future goals, which include traveling, exploring new places, and even contemplating the possibility of starting a family.
During a Q&A session, Loren opened up about how his accident affected his friendships. He admitted that while some people stepped up and supported him, others disappeared.
“A couple of friends came out of nowhere and showed me they really cared, but others completely distanced themselves,” he shared. “Honestly, it doesn’t bother me too much. I have Sabia, and that’s all I need.”
Sabia, equally strong and devoted, added: “Going through this together has only made our relationship stronger. We have learned so much about each other, about love, and about perseverance.”
Addressing the Most Intrusive Question
As Loren and Sabia’s story gained widespread attention, curiosity from the public skyrocketed. However, not all inquiries were respectful. Some people began prying into their private lives, particularly about their intimacy as a couple.
Sabia was quick to shut down these intrusive questions, stating:
“One of the most common and inappropriate questions we get is, ‘How do we have sex?’”
With firm conviction, she continued:
“That is something we will never answer, and frankly, it’s disrespectful to even ask. You wouldn’t stop a random couple on the street and demand to know about their sex life. Just because our circumstances are different doesn’t give people the right to ask such personal questions.”
While the couple is open about many aspects of their journey, they have drawn clear boundaries when it comes to their private moments.
How Loren Manages Everyday Life After His Surgery
While Loren avoids discussing certain aspects of his life, he has been completely transparent about the practical realities of living with a hemicorporectomy. Many people wonder how he manages basic bodily functions, and he has no problem explaining.
In a candid YouTube Q&A, Loren detailed how he now handles everyday necessities:
“I have a colostomy, which means my colon is pulled out of my body so I can pass waste through an external pouch. As for urination, I have bilateral nephrostomies—tubes that connect directly to my kidneys, draining urine into collection bags. That’s how I pee, poop, and yes, even fart.”
For those unfamiliar, a colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdominal wall, allowing waste to exit the body into a specially designed pouch. Loren’s wife, Sabia, has taken on the role of changing his colostomy bag daily and assisting him with hygiene and showering.
Despite the challenges, they have adapted to this new normal, proving that with love, support, and resilience, any obstacle can be overcome.
A Story of Courage, Love, and Defying the Odds
Loren and Sabia’s journey has touched the hearts of thousands, turning what could have been a devastating end into an inspiring new beginning. Their story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of unconditional love.
Rather than allowing tragedy to dictate their lives, they have chosen to share their experiences, break down barriers, and remind the world that life—no matter how different from what we once imagined—can still be fulfilling, meaningful, and full of love.
Loren’s survival is nothing short of a medical miracle, and his outlook on life is proof that resilience can turn even the darkest moments into something extraordinary.